The Massachusetts Senate passed S.2947, an act that enforces tougher penalties on fair housing law violators and requires hours of fair housing education for current and future real estate agents.

This two-pronged approach seeks to tackle a problem in the Commonwealth — discrimination against potential buyers or renters based on demographics like race, national origin, religion, disability or age.

Though illegal under state and federal law, the practice remains prevalent, according to researchers. A 2020 study by the Boston Foundation and Suffolk University revealed that 71% of Black participants experienced housing discrimination. Notably, the demographic was also 30% more likely to be “ghosted” by real estate agents.

Discrimination fell along class and income lines as well. Many renters in the study who used housing vouchers faced difficulty being invited to tour apartments.

The law would require fair housing education for all existing and future real estate agents in Massachusetts. Current agents would need two additional hours of classroom instruction on fair housing law as part of the license renewal process, while future agents would need four as a requirement to become licensed.

Additionally, the bill would increase license suspension time for fair housing law violators from 90 days to 180 days. This penalty would target those who demonstrate discrimination and allow the attorney general and fair housing agencies to directly refer findings of violations to the Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons.

The Senate unanimously accepted the bill, which now awaits review from the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

“Fair housing is a cornerstone of equity and opportunity in Massachusetts. This legislation strengthens accountability and ensures that every licensed real estate professional understands and upholds the principles of fair housing law,” said Springfield’s Senator Adam Gómez, lead sponsor of the legislation, in a press release. “By increasing transparency, enhancing education requirements and enforcing stronger penalties for violations, we are taking meaningful steps to protect residents across the Commonwealth.”