SECTION 1. Chapter 40A of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:-

Section 18. (a) As used in this section, the following terms shall, unless the context appears otherwise, have the following meanings:-

“Affirmatively further”, to take any action rationally related to promoting any attribute or attributes of fair housing.

“Fair housing”, housing that, among other attributes, is affordable, safe, decent, free of unlawful discrimination and accessible as required by chapter 151B or 42 U.S.C.A. §§ 1982 and 3604.

“Large-scale development”, a condominium association or apartment building with 35 or more residential dwelling units.

(b) Any person who intends to construct a large-scale development shall complete a fair housing assessment in a form to be prescribed by the department of housing and community development. The fair housing assessment shall describe, at a minimum: (1) the projected impact of the development on fair housing, housing discrimination and displacement; and (2) how the proposed development would minimize harm and affirmatively further fair housing.

(c) Any person who intends to construct a large-scale development shall provide the fair housing assessment described in subsection (b) to the department of housing and community development and the municipality in which the construction will take place not later than 180 days prior to the beginning of construction.

(d) The department of housing and community development may issue fines for noncompliance with this section. 

SECTION 2. The department of housing and community development shall promulgate regulations in accordance with section 1, including a schedule of fines for noncompliance, not later than 60 days after the effective date of this act.