How long do complaints under Chapter 151B generally need to be reported?

Under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 151B, which governs discrimination in employment and housing, complaints—referred to as "allegations" in this context—must be filed within six months of the alleged discriminatory event. This timeframe is critical as it ensures that complaints are addressed promptly while evidence and witness testimony are still fresh, promoting effective resolution processes.

The statute sets this six-month period to encourage individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination to act swiftly in reporting their claims, allowing for quicker investigations and remediations. Such an approach aims to uphold fair treatment and equal opportunities in employment and housing, as enshrined in Massachusetts law.

Longer reporting periods, such as one or two years, would be less effective in achieving timely resolutions and could contribute to difficulties in gathering reliable evidence for investigations, compromising the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws.