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Massachusetts lawmakers are currently considering a critical bill, HB 1694/SB 1147, that would establish civil legal protections and remedies for victims of economic abuse, a form of domestic abuse where perpetrators create financial harm through coercion, fraud, or misuse of a victim’s personal information.
This law protects people in Massachusetts who are victims of economic abuse, which happens when an abuser forces someone into debt or uses their personal information to open accounts without permission. Starting January 1, 2026, victims can dispute these debts, stop collection efforts, and have the debts removed from their credit reports if they provide a simple statement and one piece of supporting documentation, like a police report or a letter from a social worker or doctor. Creditors must then stop collecting, return any payments, and notify credit bureaus, unless they can prove in court that the debt was not caused by abuse. The law also lets victims hold abusers financially responsible and gives them the right to challenge old judgments, with privacy protections in place.
Staff Attorney Jordan Walker submitted testimony in support of the bill:
"The impacts of economic abuse can be devastating and often play a role in a survivor’s decision as to whether to leave an unsafe relationship. As a result of this form of abuse, a survivor may have very limited options in terms of acquiring a credit card, leasing a car, renting their own apartment, and paying for basic necessities. Oftentimes, these are crucial aspects of safely fleeing a violent relationship."
What You Can Do:
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Find your legislator at https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator
- Send a brief message urging support of H.1694/S.1147
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Reach out to thank Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid for bringing this forward
- Encourage your network to do the same—share links and sample scripts!
Let’s ensure survivors are protected from abuse within legal systems and the courts are not tools of abuse and further trauma.
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