Labor & Employment (Workforce Development)

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 72: An Act establishing the Workforce Recovery Commission

SD 72 establishes a 19-member Workforce Recovery Commission to address evolving workforce needs in the Commonwealth. The commission, chaired by the Labor Secretary, will develop strategies for workforce retention and support, focusing on economic prosperity, inclusion, diversity, and equity amid post-pandemic shifts and factors like technology, demographics, and employer skill demands. Its membership includes specific representation from small, mid-sized, and large employers; community colleges and vocational schools; labor unions; human resources experts; regional workforce boards; and an economist. The commission must meet at least three times annually, with its first meeting occurring within 90 days of the bill's passage. This bill directly affects state workforce planning systems and the entities represented on the commission.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEstablishes commission to develop workforce strategies focusing on inclusion, diversity, and equity - directly advancing employment standards and worker support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Employees Workforce Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1121: An Act to make data on workforce development outcomes public and accessible

This bill requires Massachusetts workforce development agencies to publicly share data on program outcomes, including participant demographics, training details, and employment results. It creates a standardized process for agencies to request and disclose this data within 30 business days, with clear guidelines published online. The law mandates quarterly reporting of wage data to evaluate program effectiveness while protecting individual privacy under state and federal law. A task force must also develop data-sharing improvements by 2026, aiming to connect workforce, education, and employment data systems. The primary direct beneficiaries are workforce boards, state agencies, and the public seeking transparent program performance metrics.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires public data on workforce program outcomes (including wages/employment) to evaluate effectiveness, enabling transparency for worker outcomes and program accountability under Labor & Employment standards.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 768: An Act ensuring the fair treatment of military service members and veterans

SD 768 creates a new "Veteran Employment and Reemployment Rights Division" within the Executive Office of Veterans Services to help veterans and service members resolve workplace disputes after military service. The division will have intake officers, investigators, and mediators to address violations of federal (USERRA) and state laws regarding job reemployment rights. If mediation fails, cases are referred to the Attorney General for further action. This bill directly affects veterans/service members facing employment issues and employers who may violate reemployment protections under federal and state law.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates division to enforce veterans' reemployment rights under USERRA, directly protecting employment standards and workers' rights upon military service return.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates new division to resolve veterans' workplace disputes under USERRA, directly supporting reemployment rights and protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development National Guard & Reserve Veteran Employment Veteran Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1975: An Act establishing paid prenatal leave

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1361) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to establish paid prenatal leave program that would require employers to give employees twenty-four hours of paid prenatal leave during a fifty-two-week calendar. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEstablishes paid prenatal leave, directly expanding worker benefits and protecting prenatal care access under Labor and Workforce Development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Paid Leave Workforce Development

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2408: An Act relative to a prevailing wage for trash and recycling collectors, moving contractors, and motor bus pupil transporters

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1363) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation relative to a prevailing wage for trash and recycling collectors, moving contractors, and motor bus pupil transporters. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires prevailing wage for specific labor categories, directly advancing fair compensation standards for workers in waste, moving, and transport sectors.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2423: An Act relative to wage theft and due process

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1377) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to wage theft and due process. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill targets wage theft, directly protecting workers' right to earned compensation and strengthening enforcement mechanisms under Labor and Workforce Development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Workforce Development

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1807: An Act establishing the micro business employee training and workforce development program

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1958) of Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to establish a tax incentive program for micro businesses to hire formerly incarcerated individuals and individuals receiving transitional benefits. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes tax incentive program for micro businesses hiring targeted groups, directly using tax policy to fund workforce development, aligning with fiscal management goals.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill provides tax incentives for hiring formerly incarcerated individuals, directly promoting reentry and reducing recidivism - core criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentTax incentives for micro businesses to hire formerly incarcerated and transitional benefit recipients directly advance employment opportunities and workforce development for vulnerable groups.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Workforce Development

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passed · Massachusetts · House May 7, 2026

H 2185: An Act to provide fair wages to employees of public institutions of higher education

By Representative Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2185) of Andres X. Vargas and others relative to wages and benefits for employees of public institutions of higher education. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill explicitly mandates fair wages for public higher ed employees, directly advancing wage protections and benefits under Labor & Workforce Development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Workforce Development

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in committee · Massachusetts · House May 12, 2025

HD 3130: An Act relative to arbitration for teachers

By Representative Scanlon of North Attleborough, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4117) of Adam J. Scanlon relative to arbitration for teachers. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides arbitration process for teacher disputes, strengthening educator protections and workplace rights within school systems.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill establishes arbitration process for teachers' disputes under Labor and Workforce Development, directly supporting worker rights resolution in employment disputes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Jun 5, 2025

HD 4668: An Act relative to damages for employees aggrieved by violations of the Massachusetts Wage Act

By Representative Puppolo of Springfield, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., relative to damages for employees aggrieved by violations of the Massachusetts Wage Act. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill enables employees to seek damages for wage violations under MA Wage Act, strengthening enforcement of worker compensation rights and protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Workforce Development

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