Bill > H522

This bill establishes new requirements for owners and managers of subsidized multifamily housing developments, which are housing developments that receive financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and are intended for elderly residents (aged 55 and older) and/or persons with disabilities, to prevent and respond to bullying. The bill defines "bullying" broadly to include repeated written, verbal, electronic, or physical actions that cause harm, fear, create a hostile environment, infringe on rights, or disrupt the community, and specifically includes cyber-bullying, group bullying, and mobbing. It prohibits bullying and retaliation against those who report it on residential property, at sponsored activities, or through technology if it creates a hostile environment or disrupts the community. Owners and managers must provide bullying prevention training to all employees and residents, and develop, implement, and update a comprehensive bullying prevention and intervention plan in consultation with various stakeholders, including residents and law enforcement. This plan must include clear procedures for reporting, investigating, and responding to bullying and retaliation, disciplinary actions, protecting victims and reporters, notifying relevant parties (including law enforcement if criminal charges may be pursued), and providing counseling. The bill also mandates annual written notice of the plan to residents and employees, annual training for employees, and posting the plan on the owner's website. The Public Safety Division of the Attorney General's Office will publish a model plan and a list of resources to assist covered residential communities. This bill does not create a private right of action but aims to enhance existing legal remedies.