Labor & Employment (Workforce Development)

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 15, 2026

H 2182: An Act relative to an eight hour work day

By Representative Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2182) of Erika Uyterhoeven relative to an eight hour work day. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill proposes eight-hour workday standard, directly advancing workers' rights and workplace conditions under Labor & Workforce Development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Workforce Development

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signed · Massachusetts · House Feb 18, 2026

H 4774: An Act establishing the city of Cambridge employment and job training trust

This bill establishes a dedicated trust fund in Cambridge to support local employment and job training programs. It directly affects Cambridge residents seeking workforce development opportunities and local employers needing skilled workers. The key mechanism creates a permanent financial trust to fund job training initiatives, career counseling, and workforce development services within the city. The bill does not specify funding sources or administrative details, but aims to create a sustainable resource for workforce needs. (Note: As a procedural bill establishing a trust, this summary focuses on the stated purpose and mechanism without additional speculation.)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated trust fund for workforce programs, funding essential public services without defunding or tax changes.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill creates a trust fund for job training and workforce development, directly advancing employment opportunities and skills development per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 2064: An Act relative to bereavement leave for the loss of a child

This bill (H 2064) would require employers in Massachusetts to provide eligible employees with paid or unpaid leave following the death of a child. It directly affects workers who experience the loss of a child, expanding existing bereavement leave policies beyond immediate family members like spouses or parents. The key provision mandates that employers grant this specific leave, though the exact duration and pay structure are not detailed in the abstract. The bill is filed under the Labor and Workforce Development committee, indicating it aims to update workplace protections for grieving employees.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands bereavement leave to cover child loss, enhancing worker benefits and rights beyond current policies, directly advancing employment standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Paid Leave Workforce Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 533: An Act to create and expand student pathways to success

HD 533 creates a new "workforce skills cabinet" within the governor's office to coordinate education, workforce development, and housing policies. The cabinet, composed of agency leaders and appointed business and workforce representatives, will align career pathways, conduct biennial program reviews for equity, and produce annual labor market reports. School districts receive funding awards ($1,000 per student for high-demand certifications, $800 for regional ones) to support career-focused programs, with 80% of funds directed to specific schools. The bill requires annual reporting on student participation, certification types earned, and program funding effectiveness, focusing on low-income, ELL, and SPED students. It directly affects Massachusetts public school districts and students seeking industry-recognized certifications.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $1,000/student for high-demand certifications and $800 for regional programs, directly funding workforce development through state budget appropriations.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill provides direct funding ($1,000/student for high-demand certs) to school districts for career-focused educational pathways, aligning with funding/support indicators for education.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentFunds career certifications ($1,000/student) and creates workforce cabinet to align education with labor market needs, advancing employment standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Professional Licensing Workforce Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 609: An Act ensuring the fair treatment of military service members and veterans

This bill creates a new "veteran employment and reemployment rights division" within the state inspector general's office to assist military service members and veterans facing workplace issues after service. The division will employ intake officers, investigators, and mediators to handle disputes related to employment or reemployment rights under federal law (USERRA). Key mechanisms include gathering evidence from veterans and employers, investigating potential violations, and offering mediation to resolve conflicts before referring unresolved cases to the attorney general. It directly affects service members and veterans encountering employment challenges due to military service, providing a dedicated state resource to enforce their federal protections.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates state division to enforce USERRA protections for veterans' employment rights, directly advancing workplace rights for a specific worker group95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates new division to assist veterans with employment rights under USERRA, directly strengthening reemployment protections and support services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development National Guard & Reserve Veteran Benefits Veteran Employment

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 932: An Act for a Bridge Employment Training Program (BET)

This bill creates a Massachusetts Bridge Employment Training Program (BET) administered by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. It directly affects unemployed or underemployed Massachusetts residents who lost jobs within six weeks or are deemed employable. The program establishes training contracts (IETCs) for up to two years, matching participants with job opportunities in private, non-profit, and public sectors through coordinated training and placement. The goal is to provide accessible skills training to improve individual economic outcomes and support the state's workforce needs.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates training program for unemployed to secure jobs, advancing employment opportunities and workforce development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2436: An Act relative to expanding and modernizing apprenticeships

This bill (HD 2436) expands apprenticeship opportunities in Massachusetts' green energy, advanced manufacturing, hospitality, and green building industries. It requires the state Division of Apprenticeship to develop industry-specific training, create regional advisory boards, and prioritize underrepresented groups (women, minorities, veterans, people with disabilities) for apprenticeships. Employers participating in these programs receive tax credits ($5,000 per apprentice completing 1,000+ hours) and state subsidies for wages and training costs, provided they demonstrate diversity commitments. The bill also mandates a public awareness campaign promoting apprenticeships as debt-free career paths and annual reports tracking program participation, effectiveness, and regional impacts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides $5,000 tax credits per apprentice to employers, directly incentivizing participation through fiscal policy to fund workforce development.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMentions 'green energy' as target industry; provides tax credits ($5k/apprentice) for training in clean energy sector95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands apprenticeships with priority for underrepresented groups and employer tax credits, advancing employment opportunities and equity in workforce development.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly prioritizes veterans as underrepresented groups for apprenticeships in key industries, offering tax credits to employers. Directly supports veteran employment opportunities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Apprenticeships Workforce Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3410: An Act requiring an annual report on the labor market needs of the Commonwealth

HD 3410 requires Massachusetts' Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, working with Education and Economic Development leaders, to produce an annual report analyzing current and projected workforce needs for the next five years. The report must include recommendations for policies and investments to address future job gaps, progress on career training programs in schools and industries, and data on skills required for key sectors. This report must be published publicly and submitted to the governor, state agencies, and legislative committees by December 31 each year to guide future workforce planning and funding decisions.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates annual labor market analysis and policy recommendations to address workforce gaps, directly supporting proactive employment standards and workforce development planning.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2120: An Act to prevent heat-related illness in public sector outdoor workers

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1367) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to establish a standard for prevention of heat illness in outdoor public sector workers. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEstablishes heat illness prevention standards for outdoor public sector workers, directly enhancing workplace safety protections under Labor & Workforce Development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2367: An Act allowing for airline catering to be considered covered employees

By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1309) of Lydia Edwards for legislation to establish forthwith a minimum wage for employees of airline catering companies. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill explicitly mandates minimum wage for airline catering employees, directly advancing wage protections under Labor & Employment policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Minimum Wage Workforce Development

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