Labor & Employment in Massachusetts

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 23, 2025

S 1354: An Act relative to bereavement leave

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1354) of Liz Miranda for legislation relative to bereavement leave. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Paid Leave Workforce Development

passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 29, 2025

H 2090: An Act securing the application of Massachusetts law to employees of employers incorporated or operating in Massachusetts who provide their labor and services remotely

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2090) of Marjorie C. Decker relative to remote employees. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 160: An Act requiring OSHA training

HD 160 requires construction employers contracting for residential, commercial, or public projects (subject to federal OSHA oversight) to provide employees with at least 10 hours of OSHA-approved safety training. Employers must also verify independent contractors have completed the required training. Violations incur fines starting at $2,500 for the first offense, increasing to $10,000 for repeat violations, with $25,000 fines for fatalities linked to non-compliance after investigation. The law mandates public posting of violations and establishes a system for reporting, while exempting small projects under $10,000 and homeowner DIY work.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Workplace Safety

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 53: An Act to promote public payroll transparency

This bill requires quasi-government agencies - like public transit systems, water providers, and pension managers - to publicly share employee compensation data and audit results. It defines these agencies as government-supported entities with operational independence. Specifically, agencies must submit pay details to the comptroller, who will post it on the state's open checkbook website. Additionally, state auditors must publish all agency audits online. The law directly affects these specific service-providing corporations, not general government employees or the public.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Pensions Tags Government Transparency

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 & Employment

Sub-Topics Public Employees Workforce Development

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 337: An Act relative to establishing a food justice frontline

Massachusetts' HD 337 establishes the Food Justice Frontline Program to create jobs addressing food insecurity. It provides nonprofits with grants up to $500,000 to fund "Food Security Jobs" (like food production or delivery) for residents in designated "Overburdened Communities" - areas with high pollution exposure and household incomes below 80% of the state median. Grants require nonprofits to pay at least the calculated minimum wage (based on state per capita income) and prioritize rapid job creation in these communities. The bill also mandates new outreach programs to promote SNAP and similar food assistance programs, with stipends for youth in targeted areas.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Minimum Wage

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 360: An Act relative to employee leave of absence to appear in the Probate and Family Court

This bill (HD 360) gives Massachusetts employees the right to take unpaid leave to attend Probate and Family Court for parenting-related matters, including divorce, custody, paternity, and enforcement of court orders. Employees can use existing accrued paid leave (like vacation or sick days) for this purpose if available, but employers aren’t required to provide paid leave where they wouldn’t normally offer it. Employees must give employers at least seven days’ notice if the court appearance is predictable, or as much notice as possible otherwise, and employers may require court documentation. The Attorney General enforces the law, with violations subject to penalties under existing statutes.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Paid Leave

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 151: An Act protecting employee free speech

SD 151, titled "An Act protecting employee free speech," prevents Massachusetts employers from disciplining or firing employees for exercising First Amendment rights (such as discussing politics or religion at work) or for refusing to attend employer meetings promoting religious or political views. The law applies to all employers, including state and local government, but includes exceptions for communications required by law, job-related information, academic settings, and casual conversations. Religious organizations exempt under federal law are not covered for religious discussions with employees in religious roles. Employees who face retaliation can seek damages, lost wages, and attorney fees through court action.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 345: An Act relative to expanding paid family and medical leave

This bill expands Massachusetts' paid family and medical leave program by clarifying who qualifies as an "employer" under the law. It specifically designates school districts as covered employers (not subject to certain restrictions), identifies the Department of Early Education and Care as the employer for family child care providers, and defines the PCA Quality Home Care Workforce Council as the employer for personal care attendants. The bill also creates a new "Educator Paid Family and Medical Leave Fund" to reimburse school districts for providing paid leave benefits to their employees, funded by state appropriations and interest. This directly affects school districts, personal care attendants, and family child care providers by changing their employer relationships and funding mechanisms for leave benefits.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Teachers Long-Term Care Paid Leave

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 547: An Act relative to the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission forming a department of workplace and consumer safety

HD 547 would require the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission to establish a new "department of workplace and consumer safety" within its structure. This department would specifically investigate workplace safety issues in cannabis facilities, including air quality and first responder access, and compile mold testing data for consumer safety reporting. The bill directly affects cannabis businesses and workers by creating a dedicated safety oversight unit under the Commission. It mandates concrete actions - investigating specific safety hazards and compiling data - without altering licensing or taxation rules.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Workplace Safety

All labor & employment bills