S 1078 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act protecting employee free speech

This Massachusetts bill (S 1078) protects employees' free speech rights by prohibiting employers from disciplining or firing workers for exercising First Amendment rights related to political or religious matters. It specifically covers activities like discussing elections, joining political or religious groups, or refusing to attend employer meetings promoting religious/political views - unless the speech disrupts work. Employers must still follow legal requirements and job-related communications, and religious organizations are exempt under certain conditions. The law allows affected employees to seek damages, lost wages, and legal fees if their rights are violated.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Oct 2025
House Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Oct 20, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Oct 9, 2025
Upper · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee as changed and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors