HD 4168 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act prohibiting employers from attempting to conceal violations of state wage, benefit, or tax laws

This bill prohibits employers from disclosing or threatening to disclose an employee's immigration status to hide violations of state wage, benefit, or tax laws. Employers found doing so face administrative penalties: up to $2,500 for a first violation, $5,000 for a second, and $10,000 for subsequent violations. The Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division enforces these penalties, considering factors like the employer’s history and business size, and provides a 15-day hearing window for affected employers. Penalties collected fund the division’s enforcement of wage laws, and the Attorney General must report annual violations to the legislature. The law directly affects employers who misuse immigration status to conceal labor law violations.
Bill status Introduction 0 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor