H 1870 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to non-disclosure agreements relating to a claim of discrimination, non-payment of wages or benefits, retaliation, harassment or violation of public policy in employment

This bill limits the enforceability of non-disclosure agreements in employment settlements involving discrimination, wage disputes, or harassment to a maximum of three years. It specifically prohibits employers from taking retaliatory action against employees who refuse to sign clauses that waive their legal rights or prevent them from disclosing information about such claims. The law applies to all settlement agreements entered into on or after its effective date, though it explicitly excludes collective bargaining agreements. Employers who violate these restrictions or enforce invalid clauses may be held liable for legal fees and costs, while aggrieved employees can file civil lawsuits to seek remedies.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Jul 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Sep 12, 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
8
Key actions
3
Committee
1
Jul 30, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Mar 28, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Labor and Workforce Development
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Michelle DuBois
Michelle DuBois
DDemocratic
MA
10th Plymouth