MA S2980

Prohibits public boards from engaging in "discriminatory land use practices," defined as actions limiting housing for households at or below 80% of area median income, families with children needing 3+ bedrooms, or individuals based on protected characteristics including race, sex, disability, and familial status

Grants the Office of Fair Housing authority to receive, investigate, and adjudicate complaints of discriminatory land use practices, including power to subpoena witnesses and require document production

Allows aggrieved individuals or the Attorney General to file complaints; if probable cause is found, parties may elect judicial determination through civil action in superior court within 30 days

Provides an affirmative defense for actions with unintended discriminatory effects if motivated by substantial, legitimate governmental interest and no less discriminatory alternative exists

Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities must promulgate implementing regulations within 2 years; substantive provisions take effect 2 years after passage