Labor & Employment in Massachusetts

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 469: An Act relative to protecting safety from unlicensed work or trades

By Mr. Brady, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1642) of Michael D. Brady for legislation relative to protecting safety from unlicensed work or trades. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 721: An Act to reform sick leave buybacks

By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1840) of Ryan C. Fattman, Joseph D. McKenna and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to reform sick leave buybacks. Public Service.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Public Employees

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 817: An Act relative to death benefits to surviving spouses of call and volunteer firefighters

This bill updates death benefit eligibility for surviving spouses of call and volunteer firefighters. It expands benefits to include children over 19 who are physically or mentally incapacitated from earning income. The bill also adjusts how health insurance premiums are covered, requiring the same rate as government retirees rather than full premium payment. These changes directly affect surviving spouses and dependent children of qualifying firefighters who pass away while serving.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Unemployment

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 282: An Act relative to Hot Box detectors

This bill requires rail operators in Massachusetts to install hot box detectors (safety devices that monitor overheating train wheel bearings) every 20 miles along any railway line used by passenger trains. It applies directly to all rail infrastructure operating passenger service, including both new construction projects and existing lines. The law mandates that these detectors be included in all new rail construction and installed on all existing passenger rail lines within one year of the bill's passage. The change focuses on enhancing train safety by preventing overheating-related derailments.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Rail

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 646: An Act relative to the primary care workforce development and loan repayment grant program at community health centers

This bill establishes a new state loan repayment program for healthcare workers at community health centers in Massachusetts. It directly affects primary care physicians, mental health professionals (including community health workers and recovery coaches), and other staff who work at these centers and have student loan debt. The program requires participants to commit to four years of service, prioritizes culturally diverse recruitment, and is funded through an existing state reserve established in 2021. Eligible individuals must not participate in other loan repayment programs and will receive pro-rated assistance based on their work schedule. The program aims to strengthen recruitment and retention of healthcare staff at community health centers statewide.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Primary Care Substance Abuse Workforce Development

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3428: An Act preventing gas expansion to protect climate, community health and safety

This bill prohibits new gas facilities or expansions within 5 miles of environmental justice neighborhoods, except for public safety reasons. It requires gas companies to submit biennial workforce transition plans by 2026, detailing how they will maintain safe service while shifting to net-zero emissions by 2050. These plans must cover worker training, retention, pension solvency, and measures to prevent job displacement during the transition. The bill directly affects all gas companies operating in Massachusetts, including those managing dual-fuel or renewable energy systems.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Environmental Justice

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 3, 2025

HD 3841: Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution, for a Constitutional right to employable skills training

By Representative Day of Stoneham (by request), a petition (accompanied by proposal for constitutional amendment, House, No. 70) of Vincent Lawrence Dixon for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to a Constitutional right to employable skills training. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4179: An Act relative to the retirement classification of licensed drinking water operators

This bill amends an existing law to include licensed drinking water operators in a specific retirement classification. It adds these operators - those certified by the Board of Certification of Drinking Water Supply Facilities under Chapter 112, Section 87CCCC - to the list of professionals covered under retirement provisions already applicable to hospital workers. The change clarifies that drinking water operators are directly affected by this retirement classification, ensuring they fall under the same system as other licensed professionals. No new benefits or requirements are created; the bill simply updates the legal description to include this group.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Professional Licensing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3453: An Act relative to apprenticeship programs

Massachusetts bill HD 3453 requires trade contractors and subcontractors working on certain construction projects (including building construction, repair, and maintenance covered under specific Massachusetts laws) to participate in approved apprenticeship programs. Within 30 days of a contract award, these contractors must join a registered apprenticeship program (either state-approved or U.S. Department of Labor-approved) and employ registered apprentices throughout the project’s duration. Effective January 1, 2025, eligible programs must have graduated apprentices to journey worker status for at least three of the past five years. Contractors must submit written compliance documentation, including program details, to the Attorney General within 45 days of contract award.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4137: An Act to promote economic mobility through ESOL

HD 4137 creates a new ESOL for economic mobility coordinator position within Massachusetts' Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. The bill requires this coordinator to develop a statewide strategy providing English language training to workers with limited English proficiency (LEP), particularly new arrivals and underemployed individuals, to help them secure jobs in high-demand fields. Key provisions include increasing ESOL program funding, shifting state funding toward vocational ESOL programs, leveraging community colleges to access federal resources, and establishing a 90-day pilot program. The coordinator must report annually on metrics like participants served, program expansions, and job placements, with $13 million in dedicated funding. The strategy must be developed in collaboration with employers, training providers, and community organizations, while working alongside existing education and economic development agencies.

Topics ✓ Immigration ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

All labor & employment bills