WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 756

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Ayers

Raises civil penalties up to $2,500 per violation targeting seniors (65+) or persons with disabilities and creates a fund for education.

Accompanied a new draft, see H4557
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 756

Summary: H.756 – An Act increasing the penalties for unfair and deceptive actions perpetrated against persons with disabilities and senior citizens

Overview

H.756, introduced February 27, 2025 by Rep. Bruce J. Ayers, seeks to enhance penalties and create targeted educational resources to protect seniors (65+) and persons with disabilities from unfair or deceptive practices. The bill is accompanied by a new draft (H.4557) as of October 2, 2025, and has been referred to the Committee on Elder Affairs with subsequent actions by Aging and Independence as the lead committee.

Purpose and Intent

  • Strengthen Massachusetts consumer protection laws to specifically deter abusive practices targeting older residents and individuals with disabilities.
  • Provide dedicated funding to educate these populations and promote awareness of consumer protection rights and avoid deceptive investment or marketing schemes.

Key Provisions

1) Creation of a dedicated fund

  • Establishes the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Abuse Prevention Fund, to be placed in the state books.
  • Funding source: Revenues generated under section 4 of Chapter 93A that exceed revenues collected in the prior fiscal year.
  • Authorized uses (subject to appropriation):
    • Develop and distribute educational materials informing seniors, disabled persons, and the general public about consumer protection laws and rights.
    • Underwrite educational seminars and projects explaining deceptive practices that have historically targeted seniors and disabled individuals.

2) Expanded definitions under Chapter 93A

  • (e) Senior Citizen: a person aged at least 65.
  • (f) Persons with Disabilities: a person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more fundamental life activities, with examples and life activities listed (e.g., self-care, mobility, seeing, hearing, learning, working).

3) Enhanced civil penalties

  • Adds a new civil penalty of up to $2,500 for each violation when the violation is directed at one or more senior citizens or persons with disabilities.
  • The court must consider factors in determining whether to impose the penalty and its amount, including:
    • Whether the defendant knew or should have known the conduct targeted seniors or disabled persons.
    • Whether the conduct caused significant harm (loss of home, employment, income; substantial loss of assets; loss of government benefits; or assets essential to health or welfare).
    • Whether the victims were particularly vulnerable due to age, health, disability, or limited understanding, and whether substantial physical, emotional, or economic damage occurred.

Affected Parties

  • Individuals and businesses engaged in unfair or deceptive practices toward seniors and/or persons with disabilities.
  • The Commonwealth, which administers the new fund and related enforcement measures.
  • Senior citizens and persons with disabilities who are protected by enhanced penalties and expanded definitions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to: Elder Affairs (Feb 27, 2025); subsequently to Aging and Independence (per standard referral orders).
  • Hearing: Scheduled for June 24, 2025 (10:00 AM–1:00 PM).
  • Status updates indicate the bill was accompanied by a new draft (H.4557) as of October 2, 2025.
  • Related matter previously filed: H.613 (2023-2024 session); HD 2160 currently reflects the House filing for this session.

Potential Impacts

  • Enhanced penalties may deter targeting of seniors and persons with disabilities.
  • Creation of a dedicated fund supports ongoing education and awareness, potentially reducing deceptive practices over time.
  • Clear definitions help align enforcement with protected populations and strengthen consumer protection outreach.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.