HD 537 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to wrongful discharge from employment

This bill defines "wrongful discharge" in Massachusetts employment law, specifically covering situations where an employee quits due to unbearable work conditions created by the employer (called "constructive discharge"), or is fired without "good cause" after a probationary period, or if the employer violates its own written personnel policy. It establishes that employees can recover lost wages (up to 4 years), fringe benefits, and interest for wrongful termination, but not pain and suffering or emotional distress damages. The law sets a one-year deadline for filing claims and excludes cases covered by collective bargaining agreements, anti-discrimination laws, or other specific statutes. It directly affects employees and employers in Massachusetts, clarifying when termination is legally unjustifiable and the remedies available.
Bill status Introduction 0 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

No actions recorded for this bill.
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Lindsay Sabadosa
Lindsay Sabadosa
DDemocratic
MA
1st Hampshire