S 1172
An Act to protect unpaid interns, volunteers, and independent contractors from sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to protect unpaid interns, volunteers, and independent contractors in Massachusetts from sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination. It seeks to establish protections and address potential vulnerabilities faced by these workers who often lack the same safeguards as paid employees. The legislation intends to create a safer and more equitable environment for these individuals within the state.
Key provisions
- Defines sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination applicable to unpaid interns, volunteers, and independent contractors.
- Requires organizations to implement policies and training to prevent and address harassment and discrimination.
- Establishes a reporting mechanism for incidents of harassment and discrimination.
- Provides avenues for redress and remedies for victims of harassment and discrimination.
- Clarifies the responsibilities of organizations regarding the safety and well-being of these workers.
- Addresses potential power imbalances between supervisors and these workers.
- Mandates that organizations provide information about their policies to these workers.
- Requires organizations to investigate complaints of harassment and discrimination.
Who is affected
- Unpaid interns
- Volunteers
- Independent contractors
- Organizations employing unpaid interns, volunteers, and independent contractors
- Massachusetts residents
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joan B. Lovely
Cosponsor
Joan B. Lovely
Arguments in favor
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Bill S.1172 194th (Current)
An Act to protect unpaid interns, volunteers, and independent contractors from sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1172) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation to protect unpaid interns, volunteers, and independent contractors from sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Joan B. Lovely
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 7 actions for Bill S.1172
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 7/16/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 07/29/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 7/29/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 07/29/2025 from 01:00 PM-06:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 7/29/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 07/29/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:10 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 10/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 07/29/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:10 PM in A-2 |
| 12/18/2025 | Senate | Accompanied a study order (under JR10), see S2886 |
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