Bill > H1571

This bill amends Chapter 12 of the General Laws by adding a new section, Section 11O, which prohibits any unit of state, county, or local government from discriminating against individuals in programs or activities based on their race, color, national origin, or sex, or from using administrative methods that result in such discrimination. Individuals who experience such discrimination can file a civil lawsuit in state court within three years of the violation, and if successful, may be awarded actual and punitive damages, as well as injunctive relief. The bill also mandates that courts award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs to a "prevailing party," defined as someone who wins a judgment, secures a settlement, or whose non-frivolous claim prompts the government to change its position, and clarifies that plaintiffs are not required to exhaust administrative remedies before pursuing legal action.