H 1414 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to stop fraudulent representation of business against performers

This bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law to prohibit fraudulent schemes where individuals or companies falsely promise employment in the entertainment industry in exchange for upfront fees. It directly affects talent agents, managers, scouts, and other industry professionals by making it illegal to advertise available jobs that require an advance payment or to accept any money except for legitimate commissions or reimbursed expenses. The legislation empowers the Attorney General to issue court injunctions to stop these practices without needing to prove that a specific person has already been harmed, and it allows victims to pursue legal remedies under existing consumer protection laws. Additionally, the bill requires the Attorney General to establish rules for handling complaints and to publish safety guidelines and information about fraudulent entities to help the public.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Jun 5, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Tackey Chan
Tackey Chan
DDemocratic
MA
2nd Norfolk