H 2156
An Act providing hazard pay and protection for essential workers during a declared public health state of emergency
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to provide hazard pay and certain protections to workers deemed essential during a declared public health state of emergency in Massachusetts. It intends to recognize and reward the risks these workers face while performing their duties. The bill seeks to establish a framework for providing compensation and safeguards to these individuals during times of crisis. It builds upon previous attempts to address similar concerns.
Key provisions
- Provides hazard pay to essential workers.
- Offers certain protections to essential workers during a declared public health emergency.
- Defines ‘essential workers’ for the purposes of this legislation.
- Establishes a process for determining eligibility for hazard pay.
- Specifies the types of protections available to essential workers.
- Allows for the declaration of a public health state of emergency to trigger these provisions.
- Addresses potential conflicts with existing labor laws.
Who is affected
- Essential workers
- Healthcare workers
- First responders
- Government employees
- Massachusetts residents
Notable changes
- Builds upon previous legislation addressing hazard pay for essential workers.
- Clarifies the scope of ‘essential workers’ as defined by the state.
- Establishes a mechanism for providing hazard pay and protections.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Edward R. Philips
Cosponsor
Edward R. Philips
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Bill H.2156 194th (Current)
An Act providing hazard pay and protection for essential workers during a declared public health state of emergency
By Representative Philips of Sharon, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2156) of Edward R. Philips relative to providing hazard pay and protection for essential workers during a declared state of emergency. Labor and Workforce Development.
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Edward R. Philips
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.2156
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Labor and Workforce Development |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 9/25/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 10/08/2025 from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM in B-1 |
| 10/8/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 10/08/2025 from 10:00 AM-12:15 PM in B-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 3/12/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5208 |
Similar Bills
H.1935 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act providing hazard pay and protection for essential workers during a declared public health state of emergency
H.2042 192nd (2021 - 2022)
An Act providing hazard pay and protection for essential workers during a “declaration of a state of emergency”
H.2611 194th (Current)
An Act relative to firearm licensing renewals during a state of emergency
S.1322 194th (Current)
An Act providing hazard pay and protection for essential workers during a public health "State of Emergency" declaration
S.1684 194th (Current)
An Act prohibiting the confiscation of lawfully owned firearms during a state of emergency
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.