This bill (S 1249) prohibits discrimination based on body size in employment, housing, and public accommodations. It directly affects employers, landlords, and businesses that provide services to the public by making it illegal to deny opportunities or services due to a person's weight or body size. The key provision establishes a new legal standard where body size becomes a protected characteristic, similar to race or gender. The bill would require organizations to comply with this non-discrimination rule, applying to all covered entities within the state.
By Representative Lawn of Watertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2655) of John J. Lawn, Jr., and others relative to providing protections for health care employees who are victims of violence or assault and battery. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Biele of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2069) of David Biele relative to the wages of trash and recycling collectors, moving contractors, and motor bus pupil transporters. Labor and Workforce Development.
By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1363) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation relative to a prevailing wage for trash and recycling collectors, moving contractors, and motor bus pupil transporters. Labor and Workforce Development.
By Representative Cusack of Braintree, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2082) of Mark J. Cusack for an investigation by a special commission relative to accountability in labor and services provided by contractors and subcontractors in the Commonwealth. Labor and Workforce Development.
This bill would expand anti-discrimination protections to specifically prohibit harassment and discrimination based on height in employment, housing, and public accommodations. It directly affects individuals who face treatment due to their height, including those who are shorter or taller than average. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary Committee and aims to add height as a protected characteristic under existing state anti-discrimination laws.
This bill allows former employees of the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency (MDF) to count their prior service time toward retirement benefits. It amends current rules so that work performed at MDF before leaving the agency can be included in calculating retirement eligibility. The change directly affects former MDF employees seeking to qualify for retirement benefits based on their past service.
By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2531) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Nick Collins, Bruce E. Tarr, Patrick M. O'Connor, Sal N. DiDomenico and other members of the Senate for legislation relative to assault and battery by means of bodily substance upon a transit worker. The Judiciary.
By Representatives Kushmerek of Fitchburg and Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2651) of Michael P. Kushmerek, Sean Garballey and Paul J. Donato relative to the equality of wage and recruitment of the State Police. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
H 1919, titled "An Act prohibiting body size discrimination," would make it illegal for employers, housing providers, and public accommodations to discriminate against individuals based on their body size (such as weight or body mass). The bill would directly affect businesses, landlords, and service providers by requiring them to avoid discriminatory practices and establish complaint procedures for affected individuals. It would create a legal framework for individuals to seek remedies if they experience such discrimination. Sponsored by Representatives Tram T. Nguyen and Rebecca L. Rausch, the bill is under review by the Judiciary Committee.
