H 613 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act increasing the penalties for unfair and deceptive actions perpetrated against persons with disabilities and senior citizens

This bill increases civil penalties for unfair or deceptive business practices specifically when they target senior citizens and people with disabilities. It creates a new fund to finance educational materials and seminars that help these vulnerable groups understand their consumer rights and avoid deceptive marketing. The law also clarifies legal definitions of "senior citizen" and "persons with disabilities" to ensure broader protection. Under the new rules, courts can impose an additional fine of up to $2,500 for each violation if the misconduct was directed at these populations and caused significant harm.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Dec 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Dec 18, 2023
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Dec 18, 2023
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Elder Affairs
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Bruce Ayers
Bruce Ayers
DDemocratic
MA
1st Norfolk