H 5125 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act limiting the use of prison labor

This bill prohibits Massachusetts prison officials from transferring inmates to other states for labor purposes, directly affecting correctional facilities and inmates. It allows exceptions only if the governor declares an emergency in another state and the inmate provides written consent. Transfers for non-labor reasons, such as medical care or court appearances, remain permitted under existing rules. The law aims to prevent out-of-state labor exploitation while maintaining flexibility for emergencies.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 19, 2026 Last action Mar 19, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
3
Committee
3
Mar 19, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting
lower
Feb 19, 2026
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
lower
Feb 19, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported from the committee on The Judiciary
lower
0 primary · 4 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.