By Bob Katzen
The Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that supporters said would advance the goal of ensuring every Massachusetts resident has a fair opportunity to access housing. The measure mandates fair housing training for all real estate agents and strengthens state enforcement of the Fair Housing Law.
Details include requiring applicants for a real estate license to attend at least four hours of classroom instruction on the Fair Housing Law as part of their application process and training them on how to avoid discrimination against potential buyers or renters based on demographics like race, national origin, religion, disability or age. The measure also requires at least two hours of instruction as part of the renewal process for real estate licenses; increases the penalty from a 90-day license suspension to up to a 180-day suspension for licensed real estate brokers or salespeople who commit a second violation of the Fair Housing Law within a two-year period; and requires the Real Estate Brokers’ Registration Board to annually publish a list of licensed brokers or salespeople whose real estate licenses were revoked due to Fair Housing Law violations, along with a summary of complaints filed and the number and type of disciplinary actions taken by the board.
Supporters pointed to a 2020 study by the Boston Foundation and Suffolk University which found that 71 percent of Black participants faced housing discrimination and were 30 percent more likely to be “ghosted” by real estate agents. The same study found that renters of all backgrounds with housing vouchers were highly likely to be prevented from seeing apartments.
“Fair housing is a cornerstone of equity and opportunity in Massachusetts,” said Sen. Adam Gomez (D-Springfield), the lead sponsor of the proposal. “This legislation strengthens accountability and ensures that every licensed real estate professional understands and upholds the principles of fair housing law. By increasing transparency, enhancing education requirements and enforcing stronger penalties for violations, we are taking meaningful steps to protect residents across the commonwealth.”
“No prospective homeowners should encounter discrimination in realizing the American dream of owning a home,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This legislation ensures a pathway for all to access housing by strengthening existing fair housing law, providing mandatory instruction to real estate agents on how to avoid discrimination and stiffening the penalty when violations to the law occur.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)
Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes