An Act to prevent and respond to bullying of elderly and disabled residents

SD 1572 prohibits bullying in Massachusetts housing communities primarily for residents aged 55+ or with disabilities (subsidized by HUD or the state). It defines bullying broadly to include cyberbullying, group bullying, and mobbing (where management condones bullying), and bans retaliation against reporters. Owners/managers must create and implement evidence-based bullying prevention plans within six months, train all staff and residents, and update these plans biennially. The Attorney General’s office will develop model plans, resources, and conduct biennial surveys to assess bullying prevalence and prevention effectiveness.