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SD 1745

An Act providing civil legal remedies for victims of economic abuse

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Vanna Howard and 4 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill creates civil lawsuits for economic abuse victims, enabling damages claims against those who restrict finances or employment.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 1745

Legislative bill overview

SD 1745 creates civil legal remedies specifically for victims of economic abuse in Massachusetts. The bill establishes a framework allowing victims to sue perpetrators for damages related to economic control tactics such as restricting access to finances, preventing employment, or controlling resources. This represents the first comprehensive civil cause of action in Massachusetts specifically targeting economic abuse as a distinct form of harm.

Why is this important

Economic abuse is a pervasive but often invisible form of domestic violence that leaves victims financially dependent and trapped in harmful situations. Currently, victims have limited legal recourse specific to economic abuse patterns, forcing them to rely on general tort law or criminal statutes not designed for this purpose. Creating a dedicated civil remedy provides survivors with a direct path to compensation and acknowledgment of this abuse pattern.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope: Determining what constitutes "economic abuse" versus legitimate financial decisions in relationships (e.g., one spouse managing household finances) may prove legally contentious and require careful statutory language.
  • Burden of proof and causation: Civil cases require proving damages stemmed from the defendant's economic control; defendants may argue financial hardship resulted from other factors.
  • Intersection with family law: Questions about how this remedy interacts with existing divorce, alimony, and child support proceedings could create overlapping claims or procedural complications.

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

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