Bill > H1864

This bill proposes to amend existing law to strengthen the enforcement of local rules, known as ordinances and by-laws, by allowing cities and towns to seek civil penalties in court. Specifically, if a city or town, or an official acting on its behalf, sues in a superior court or land court to enforce an ordinance, by-law, or related rule, and a violation is found, the court can impose a civil penalty. These penalties are separate from any other court-ordered actions and will be paid to the city or town for its use. When deciding on the amount of the penalty, the court will consider factors such as whether the violation was intentional or careless, the damage caused to public health, safety, or the environment, any financial gain the violator received, the costs incurred by the city or town (including legal fees), the violator's past compliance record, and whether they tried to fix the problem after being notified.