Bill > S809

This bill, titled "Restoring enforcement of civil rights," amends Chapter 12 of the General Laws by adding a new section, 11M, to prohibit any unit of state, county, or local government from discriminating against individuals based on their race, color, national origin, or sex in any program or activity, or from using administrative methods that result in such discrimination. Individuals who experience such discrimination can file a civil lawsuit in state court against the offending government entity 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 prompted the government to change its position, and clarifies that individuals are not required to pursue administrative remedies before filing a lawsuit.