H1994
An Act protecting tenants from retaliation and coercion
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to shield tenants in Massachusetts from retaliatory actions taken by landlords, such as eviction or harassment, following a tenant’s exercise of their legal rights. Specifically, it prohibits landlords from threatening to disclose a tenant’s immigration status as a means of coercion. The legislation seeks to ensure fair housing practices and protect tenants’ ability to advocate for their rights without fear of negative consequences. It also addresses situations where landlords might retaliate against tenants for requesting repairs or improvements to their properties.
Key provisions
- Prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who report housing code violations.
- Prevents landlords from threatening to disclose a tenant’s immigration status to discourage legal action.
- Protects tenants who request repairs or improvements to their rental units.
- Establishes a framework for addressing landlord-tenant disputes related to retaliation.
Who is affected
- Tenants
- Landlords
- Housing Authorities
- Legal Aid Organizations
- Massachusetts Residents
Notable changes
- Adds protections against coercion based on immigration status.
- Expands existing tenant protections to include retaliation for requesting repairs.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Priscila S. Sousa
Cosponsors
James B. Eldridge
Priscila S. Sousa
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Bill H.1994 194th (Current)
An Act protecting tenants from retaliation and coercion
By Representatives Sousa of Framingham and Cruz of Salem, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1994) of Priscila S. Sousa, Manny Cruz and Carlos González relative to protecting tenants from retaliation and coercion by threat of disclosing immigration status. The Judiciary.
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenters: Priscila S. Sousa , Manny Cruz
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.1994
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 10/10/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 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) |
Similar Bills
H.1933 194th (Current)
An Act further protecting tenants
H.2328 194th (Current)
An Act enabling cities and towns to stabilize rents and protect tenants
HD.4979 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act further protecting tenants
S.886 192nd (2021 - 2022)
An Act enabling local options for tenant protections
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.