Labor & Employment (Employment Discrimination) in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2130: An Act promoting equality and respect in the legislature

SD 2130 creates a new independent Commission on Workplace Harassment and Sexual Assault in the Legislature to address misconduct within legislative workplaces. The bill directly affects all state house personnel - including legislators, staff, interns, and executive branch employees working in the state house - by establishing formal procedures for reporting harassment, sexual harassment, or sexual assault. Key mechanisms include defining terms like "workplace harassment," requiring the commission to investigate complaints, and prohibiting retaliatory actions against those who report incidents. The commission, composed of 13 appointed members representing diverse expertise and legislative leadership, will operate independently with authority to investigate and report without executive branch oversight. This bill focuses on internal legislative workplace policies rather than broader public laws.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2813: An Act to establish comprehensive rights and career advancement for contingent faculty in public higher education

This bill establishes minimum standards for contingent faculty (part-time instructors paid per course without tenure) at Massachusetts public colleges and universities. It mandates equal pay to full-time faculty for equivalent work, 2-year contracts after four semesters, 45-day course assignment notices, and late-cancellation pay. The bill also creates a three-tier career advancement system with clear paths to higher pay and security based on teaching experience, plus requirements for departmental inclusion and professional development funding. It specifically eliminates pay disparities between day and continuing education divisions within two years.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 3, 2025

S 98: An Act prohibiting employment discrimination based on legal use of cannabis

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 98) of Jacob R. Oliveira and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to prohibit employment discrimination based on the legal use of cannabis. Cannabis Policy.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 5, 2026

H 2098: An Act codifying organizational standing

By Representative Farley-Bouvier of Pittsfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2098) of Tricia Farley-Bouvier relative to public interest organizations under employment discrimination laws. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination Workforce Development

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 620: An Act prohibiting employment discrimination based on the legal use of cannabis

HD 620 prohibits Massachusetts employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants based on their legal use of cannabis. It requires employers to wait until after making a conditional job offer before testing for marijuana and bans conditioning employment on such testing. The law protects qualifying patients (those legally using medical cannabis under state law) from adverse actions like termination or refusal of hire, unless impairment occurred at work or during work hours. Exceptions apply for safety-sensitive roles (where impairment could cause serious harm) and when federal law would be violated.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 384: An Act relative to the fair treatment of employees

This bill (SD 384) protects Massachusetts employees from workplace discrimination based on off-duty marijuana use. It prohibits employers from penalizing workers for using marijuana outside of work hours or while not impaired during work tasks, unless federal requirements (like DOT testing) apply. Exceptions include cases where an employee cannot maintain job-specific licenses due to marijuana use, or if an employee faces criminal charges related to marijuana. Employees who believe they were discriminated against can sue for actual damages or up to double damages if the violation was willful. The law directly affects employees and employers across Massachusetts workplaces.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 844: An Act relative to defense against abusive waivers

HD 844 prohibits employment contracts from including waivers of rights related to discrimination, retaliation, harassment, nonpayment of wages, or violations of public policy in the workplace. Any such waiver would be invalid and unenforceable for claims arising after the contract is signed, meaning employers cannot require employees to give up these rights in advance. The bill also bans retaliation against employees who refuse to sign such contracts (e.g., firing, demotion, or refusing to hire) and allows employees to sue for damages and legal fees within three years if retaliation occurs. Additionally, it permits employees to reject arbitration agreements for covered claims after a dispute arises, while keeping the rest of the contract valid.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1144: An Act relative to workforce training

This bill requires all Massachusetts employers to adopt written anti-harassment policies by January 1, 2027, and provide annual training to employees on preventing unlawful harassment (including sexual harassment). It mandates training content covering legal requirements, examples of harassment, bystander intervention, internal/external remedies, and supervisory responsibilities, with specific standards for interactive and anonymous question features in online sessions. Employers must maintain records of training completion for five years. The law applies to all employers in Massachusetts, with tailored examples required for businesses with 100+ employees.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination Workforce Development

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1827: An Act promoting an adjunct bill of rights

This bill establishes the Faculty Restoration and Equity Fund to require public colleges in the state to: (1) ensure at least 75% of undergraduate courses are taught by full-time faculty, (2) maintain at least 75% full-time support staff in departments, and (3) provide part-time and non-tenure track faculty with pay and benefits equal to full-time faculty. It also amends retirement laws to grant part-time faculty teaching four or more courses yearly full retirement credit, equal pay on a pro-rata basis, and formal processes for assignment priority and tenure-track consideration. The fund prioritizes institutions with high reliance on part-time faculty, and all provisions are subject to collective bargaining. The bill directly affects public higher education institutions and their part-time/non-tenure track faculty.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Employment Discrimination

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1894: An Act relative to employment protections for victims of abusive behavior

This bill adds "status as a victim of abusive behavior" to Massachusetts' anti-discrimination protections in employment. It directly affects employees and job applicants experiencing domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or kidnapping (as defined in the bill), requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations like schedule changes, safety modifications, or workplace access adjustments. Employers must engage in a good-faith interactive process to find suitable accommodations and cannot discriminate against someone who requests them. The law also mandates written notice of these rights to all employees and new hires, and requires the state commission to develop educational materials about these protections within 180 days.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Domestic Violence Violent Crime Employment Discrimination

All labor & employment bills