H2176
An Act prohibiting employers from attempting to conceal violations of state wage, benefit, or tax laws
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
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- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill prohibits employers in Massachusetts from attempting to hide violations of state laws related to wages, benefits, or taxes. Specifically, it aims to prevent employers from using the tactic of concealing these violations by requesting or attempting to obtain employees’ immigration status. The goal is to ensure fair labor practices and protect workers’ rights by increasing transparency and accountability for employers.
Key provisions
- Employers cannot request or attempt to obtain employees’ immigration status with the intent to conceal violations of wage, benefit, or tax laws.
- The bill addresses situations where employers may use immigration status inquiries to cover up illegal activities.
- It seeks to strengthen worker protections by preventing employers from using deceptive practices.
- The law applies to all employers operating within Massachusetts.
Who is affected
- Employers
- Employees
- Massachusetts Residents
- Labor and Workforce Development Agencies
Notable changes
- This bill introduces a new prohibition against using immigration status inquiries to conceal labor law violations.
- It builds upon existing protections for workers' rights.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Priscila S. Sousa
Cosponsors
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Bill H.2176 194th (Current)
An Act prohibiting employers from attempting to conceal violations of state wage, benefit, or tax laws
By Representatives Sousa of Framingham and Cruz of Salem, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2176) of Priscila S. Sousa and Manny Cruz relative to employer disclosure of immigration status to conceal violation of state wage, benefit, or tax laws. Labor and Workforce Development.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenters: Priscila S. Sousa , Manny Cruz
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.2176
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Labor and Workforce Development |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 10/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 10/28/2025 from 10:00 AM-02:00 PM in A-1 |
| 1/27/2026 | House | Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| 3/12/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5209 |
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