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

Source of recordMassachusetts · malegislature.govLast synced Sep 9, 2026

Chamber

Senate

Progress

Where this bill stands in the legislative process.

Introduced
Passed Senate
Passed House
To Governor
Became Law

Overview

This bill aims to combat wage theft in Massachusetts by increasing employer accountability and strengthening enforcement efforts. It seeks to ensure workers receive all wages they are legally entitled to, including overtime pay and proper deductions. The legislation proposes measures to improve transparency and make it easier for employees to report wage theft and for the state to investigate and penalize violations. Ultimately, the goal is to protect workers' rights and promote fair labor practices.

Key provisions

Requires employers to accurately track and pay employee wages.
Establishes a process for workers to file wage theft complaints.
Expands the authority of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to investigate wage theft claims.
Increases penalties for employers found guilty of wage theft.
Addresses issues related to misclassification of employees.
Provides for enhanced training and resources for labor law enforcement.
Clarifies rules regarding final paychecks and unused vacation time.
Requires employers to provide workers with written wage statements.