Bill > S1663

This bill proposes several changes to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), aiming to increase transparency and provide more options for individuals involved in discrimination complaints. Key provisions include requiring that MCAD policies be made available for public review in draft form for 90 days before they are finalized, ensuring that both complainants and respondents have the right to elect a judicial determination of their complaint if certain conditions are met, and establishing a new process for filing complaints that includes a $250 filing fee (which can be waived), a 45-day response period for the accused party, and specific timelines for investigations and potential discovery. The bill also clarifies that respondents can be added to existing complaints and outlines procedures for dismissals, probable cause findings, and the possibility of summary judgment motions, after which parties can still opt for a court trial.