Labor & Employment (Minimum Wage) in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3850: An Act relative to raising the minimum wage closer to a living wage in the commonwealth

HD 3850 raises Massachusetts' minimum wage in a phased approach, increasing it from $15.00 to $20.00 per hour by 2029. It directly affects all public and private employers in the state who must pay workers at least the new minimum wage rate. Starting in 2030, the law establishes an automatic annual adjustment based on inflation (using the Consumer Price Index) to maintain purchasing power, with the first adjustment calculated for January 2030. The bill also updates current wage rates for tipped workers and other categories through 2029.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Minimum Wage

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3165: An Act to establish an enhanced care worker minimum wage

HD 3165 establishes a $25 per hour minimum wage for care workers in home care agencies and social service programs, with annual inflation adjustments based on the U.S. Department of Labor's CPI index. The bill directly affects home care workers and social service program providers by requiring agencies to pay this enhanced wage. Key provisions mandate that state payment rates for these services must fully cover the cost of this higher wage, adjusted annually for inflation. This policy change ensures care workers' compensation keeps pace with living costs while requiring rate adjustments to providers' reimbursement.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Labor Standards Minimum Wage

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 & Employment

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Minimum Wage Workforce Development

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1702: An Act to promote an enhanced care worker minimum wage

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 877) of Robyn K. Kennedy, Paul W. Mark, James B. Eldridge, John F. Keenan and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote an enhanced care worker minimum wage. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Minimum Wage

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1870: An Act relative to a youth training wage

This bill creates a temporary wage requirement for minors under 18 working limited hours. It applies to young workers who need a work permit and work 20 hours or less per week with a new employer. During their first 120 hours of employment (a "training period"), these workers must be paid at least $10 per hour, overriding standard minimum wage rules for this specific group. The provision expires after 120 hours, after which regular wage laws apply.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Child Labor Labor Standards Minimum Wage

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1409: An Act relative to independent contractors

This bill changes how Massachusetts defines "employee" versus "independent contractor" for labor laws. It requires that an individual be considered an employee unless they meet all three specific conditions: (1) free from employer control in performing work, (2) work is outside the employer's usual business, and (3) they run an independent trade or business. This directly affects workers and businesses that classify workers as contractors, determining who qualifies for protections under Chapters 149 and 151 (like minimum wage and overtime). The change clarifies the standard for worker classification but does not create new benefits or penalties.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Gig Economy Labor Standards Minimum Wage

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 877: An Act to promote an enhanced care worker minimum wage

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 877) of Robyn K. Kennedy, Paul W. Mark, James B. Eldridge, John F. Keenan and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote an enhanced care worker minimum wage. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Minimum Wage

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 5, 2026

H 2084: An Act for a minimum hourly health improvement wage

By Representative Day of Stoneham (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2084) of Vincent Lawrence Dixon relative to establishing minimum hourly health improvement wage. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Minimum Wage Workforce Development

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1300: An Act preventing wage theft, promoting employer accountability, and enhancing public enforcement

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1300) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Mark C. Montigny, Michael D. Brady, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the Senate for legislation to prevent wage theft, promote employer accountability, and enhance public enforcement. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Minimum Wage Workforce Development

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 2094: An Act to prevent wage theft, promote employer accountability, and enhance public enforcement

By Representative Donahue of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2094) of Daniel M. Donahue and others relative to wage theft, employer accountability, and public enforcement. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Minimum Wage Workforce Development

All labor & employment bills