H1594
An Act relative to controlling and abusive litigation
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Bill overview
This bill aims to address what its proponents describe as ‘abusive litigation’ in Massachusetts. It seeks to establish a process for reviewing and potentially limiting lawsuits that are deemed to be filed in bad faith or with the primary purpose of harassment. The bill intends to provide a mechanism for courts to address these types of lawsuits and prevent unnecessary legal costs and burdens on individuals and businesses.
Key provisions
- Establishes a process for reviewing lawsuits deemed ‘abusive’.
- Allows courts to issue orders limiting litigation activity.
- May include provisions related to attorney fees in cases of abusive litigation.
- Could establish guidelines for determining when a lawsuit is considered abusive.
- Potentially addresses frivolous lawsuits and those filed without a legitimate basis.
Who is affected
- Litigants
- Attorneys
- Courts
- Businesses
- Individuals
Notable changes
- The bill introduces a framework for addressing lawsuits perceived as abusive.
- It may provide a new avenue for challenging lawsuits that are considered excessive or without merit.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Adrian C. Madaro
Adrianne Pusateri Ramos
Bruce E. Tarr
Carmine Lawrence Gentile
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
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Bill H.1594 194th (Current)
An Act relative to controlling and abusive litigation
By Representative Blais of Deerfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1594) of Natalie M. Blais and others relative to controlling and abusive litigation. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Natalie M. Blais
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.1594
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 5/29/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/03/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 10/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/03/2025 from 01:00 PM-09:00 PM in A-2 |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 3/26/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27) |
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