Labor & Employment

passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 26, 2026

H 5525: An Act relative to pension benefits for firefighter Leo J. Bracken

By Representative Consalvo of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5525) of Rob Consalvo (with the approval of the mayor and city council) that the retirement board of the city of Boston be authorized to increase the disability pension of Leo J. Bracken, a firefighter of the city of Boston. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill increases disability pension for a firefighter, directly expanding worker benefits and supporting labor standards.90% confidence

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passed both · Massachusetts · House Aug 17, 2026

H 5491: An Act implementing the recommendations of the Walsh-Kennedy Commission Report

This bill updates Massachusetts laws to improve safety training and enforcement for workers involved in cutting, welding, and hot works processes. It requires state-approved training programs that include digital verification systems, multilingual instruction, and ongoing education, while also creating a public record of non-compliance that alerts property owners and insurers. The legislation significantly increases penalties for violations, raising fines up to $10,000 for repeat offenders and introducing potential prison time, and it establishes stricter criminal charges for reckless actions that result in serious injury or death.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill strengthens workplace safety by mandating rigorous training, digital verification, and increased penalties for violations.95% confidence

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Jun 18, 2026

HD 6230: An Act establishing a sick leave bank for Edward Gillen

By Representative McMurtry of Dedham and Senator Rush, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Paul McMurtry and Michael F. Rush for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Edward Gillen, an employee of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Public Service.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill establishes a sick leave bank for an employee, expanding worker benefits and protecting health rights.90% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 6237: An Act relative to pension benefits for firefighter Leo J. Bracken

This bill grants special pension benefits to Leo J. Bracken, a Boston firefighter who was permanently injured while on duty in 2019. It directs the Boston retirement board to increase his disability pension to 100% of his full salary and allows him to earn up to half of his pension amount without penalty. Additionally, the legislation covers his future medical expenses related to his injuries, pays out his accumulated savings immediately, and provides a survivor annuity for his spouse if he passes away.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill covers future medical expenses for injured firefighter, directly funding healthcare services.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands pension benefits and medical coverage for an injured firefighter, strengthening worker protections and benefits.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill grants special pension benefits, full disability coverage, and medical funding for a veteran injured on duty.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 15, 2026

H 5506: An Act establishing flexibility for long term care facilities workers

By Representative Lawn of Watertown, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of John J. Lawn, Jr. for legislation to establish contract and coverage standards for health care worker platforms. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes contract and coverage standards for healthcare worker platforms, protecting workers and strengthening the healthcare workforce.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill establishes contract and coverage standards for health care workers, strengthening worker protections and employment standards.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Workforce Development

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 6, 2026

S 3120: An Act establishing a sick leave bank for Edward Suber, an employee of the department of youth services

By Mr. Brady and Ms.DuBois of Brockton, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3120) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michael D. Brady and Michelle M. DuBois for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Edward Suber, an employee of the department of youth services. Public Service.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill establishes a sick leave bank for an employee, expanding worker benefits and protecting health-related leave rights.90% confidence

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate May 18, 2026

S 3076: An Act providing opportunities for apprentices to complete their training and ensuring for a skilled workforce in the commonwealth of Massachusetts

Senate, May 18, 2026 -- The committee on Labor and Workforce Development to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1303) of Lydia Edwards, Paul W. Mark and Vanna Howard for legislation to provide opportunities for apprentices to complete their training and ensuring for a skilled workforce in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3076).

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill aims to expand apprenticeship opportunities and ensure a skilled workforce, directly strengthening labor development and employment standards.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Workforce Development

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passed both · Massachusetts · House Jul 1, 2026

H 5501: An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2027 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements

This bill allocates state funding for fiscal year 2027 to cover the operations of Massachusetts departments, boards, and institutions, as well as interest on state debt and specific infrastructure projects. It requires all state agencies receiving these funds to actively promote equal opportunity in hiring, compensation, and public relations for minority groups, women, and people with disabilities. The legislation also establishes a detailed revenue plan that projects income from sources like corporate taxes, sales, and alcohol excises to ensure the budget is fully funded. Additionally, it mandates that the comptroller provide quarterly reports comparing actual tax collections against the projected amounts listed in the bill.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly allocates state funding for FY2027 operations and infrastructure, directly advancing the budget topic.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates state agencies promote equal opportunity in hiring and compensation for protected groups, advancing labor equity.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates state funding for FY2027 to cover operations and specific infrastructure projects, including transportation maintenance.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Debt & Bonds State Budget

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Jun 11, 2026

HD 6147: An Act establishing flexibility for long term care facilities workers

By Representative Lawn of Watertown, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of John J. Lawn, Jr. for legislation to establish contract and coverage standards for health care worker platforms. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes contract and coverage standards for healthcare worker platforms, improving worker protections and access to care.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill establishes contract and coverage standards for healthcare worker platforms, aiming to protect workers' rights and improve employment conditions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Workforce Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 6104: An Act authorizing the town of Natick to continue the employment of Police Chief James Hicks beyond the age of 65

This bill allows the Town of Natick to employ its current Police Chief, James Hicks, until he turns 67, rather than requiring him to retire at age 65. Under the new rules, the Select Board can require annual medical exams to ensure he remains physically and mentally capable of performing his duties. Additionally, the bill ensures that Hicks will not have his salary reduced after turning 65 and will receive the same retirement benefits as if he had retired at that earlier age.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill allows continued employment and protects salary/benefits for a specific worker, aligning with supporting worker rights and benefits.65% confidence

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