Bill > H1503

This bill amends Chapter 139 of the General Laws to establish new penalties for landlords who knowingly allow their residential properties to be used for illegal drug activities, such as manufacturing, storing, distributing, or using controlled substances as defined in section 31 of chapter 94C. Specifically, it prohibits an owner of a residential dwelling unit from knowingly and intentionally renting, leasing, profiting from, or making available a unit for such illegal purposes, with an exemption for housing authorities. Landlords found in violation, who knew or should have known about the drug activity, will face civil penalties that increase with subsequent offenses: up to $1,000 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second, and $10,000 for each offense thereafter, and could also face forfeiture of the property. If multiple landlords are involved, the court can divide the penalty, but each landlord remains fully responsible for the total amount. Any penalties collected will be disbursed to the arresting agency for drug awareness education or substance abuse counseling programs.