Bill > S1315

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 148 of the General Laws by adding a new section that establishes penalties for the illegal occupation of a building. Specifically, it states that any person in control of a building who knowingly, recklessly, or negligently allows it to be illegally occupied will face a fine of up to $15,000 or imprisonment for up to 2.5 years, or both. The bill defines "illegally occupied" broadly to include situations where dwelling units are created without proper permits and certificates of occupancy, where a building is occupied without necessary certificates, where occupancy doesn't comply with the specified use group or conditions in the certificate of occupancy, where occupancy exceeds the building's load capacity, where ingress or egress is insufficient or blocked, or where fire protection or warning systems are inadequate, disabled, or not maintained according to the State Building Code or State Fire Code. For repeat offenders, the penalties increase to a fine of up to $35,000 or imprisonment for up to 5 years in state prison, or up to 2.5 years in a house of correction, or both.