HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1280        FILED ON: 1/14/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Tricia Farley-Bouvier

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act codifying organizational standing.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1280        FILED ON: 1/14/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act codifying organizational standing.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. Section 1 of chapter 151B of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “corporations”, the following:- , “public interest organizations” and by inserting after Section 1 the following subsection:- “1A. The term “public interest organization” includes any non-profit organization which is organized or operating in whole or in part for the purpose of combating discrimination or bias, of safeguarding civil rights or of promoting interests or rights under this Chapter.”

SECTION 2. Section 5 of chapter 151B of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the words “required by the commission” the following sentence:- “Without limiting or excluding any other basis for a complaint, a public interest organization may be aggrieved if a purpose or activities to achieve that purpose were perceptively impaired by an alleged unlawful practice or violation; or if an alleged unlawful practice or violation was directed at the public interest organization or its agents or employees; or where the public interest organization has a sufficient nexus to the interests of the person or persons whose interests are harmed by an alleged unlawful practice or violation.”

SECTION 3. Section 9 of chapter 151B of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the words “residential housing” the following sentence:- “Without limiting or excluding any other basis for a civil action, a public interest organization may be aggrieved if a purpose or activities to achieve that purpose were perceptively impaired by an alleged unlawful practice; or if an alleged unlawful practice was directed at the public interest organization or its agents or employees; or where the public interest organization has a sufficient nexus to the interests of the person or persons whose interests are harmed by an alleged unlawful practice.”