From gig economy to retirement readiness—lawmakers are not just passing time on the hill —they’re passing bills that will change how businesses operate and how workers plan their futures.
From the bustling streets of Boston to the landscapes of the Berkshires, these legislative changes will affect every business in the Commonwealth.
1. Pay Transparency Legislation
These two bills, House Bill H.4109 and Senate Bill S.2468, are in the reconciliation phase between the House and Senate. They aim to enhance pay equity by requiring that employers disclose pay ranges in job postings and submit annual wage data reports. New levels of transparency for Glass Door. The legislation needs to be passed by both chambers and signed by the governor to become law.
- House Bill H.4109
- Senate Bill S.2468
2. Massachusetts Digital Equity Act
This bill is designed to improve digital access and literacy across the state, which could significantly impact businesses, particularly in the tech and educational sectors, by necessitating compliance.
By aiming to bridge the digital divide, the act could lead to improved internet access in underserved areas. This would not only expand the customer base for businesses but also enhance the potential for remote work.
There may be new regulations or standards that businesses will need to comply with. This could involve ensuring that digital services are accessible to all, possibly requiring updates to existing systems or the adoption of new technologies.
The act could open up opportunities for businesses to partner with the government in the delivery of digital equity programs. Tech companies, in particular, might find new markets in providing solutions that facilitate digital access and literacy.
3. Clean Energy and Climate Act
Although already enacted, ongoing legislative activities related to this act involve refining and implementing regulations that could affect businesses in terms of compliance with new environmental standards and opportunities in the clean energy sector. Continuous monitoring of updates and amendments is crucial.
4. The Uber & Lyft Employee or Not Act
It’s not really called that, but this act will establish that app-based drivers are not employees, and transport network companies like Uber and Lyft are not employers, for certain purposes of the general laws (H.4612).
This bill is crucial for gig economy platforms like Uber and Lyft as it defines app-based drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, affecting benefits, taxes, and labor protections.
- View Bill H.4612
5. Yet Another Uber & Lyft Act
An Act Giving Transportation Network Drivers the Option to Form a Union and Bargain Collectively (H.4605): This bill would allow drivers for network companies to unionize, potentially enabling them to negotiate better pay and working conditions collectively.
View Bill H.4605
6. Psychadelic Dreams
An Act Relative to the Regulation and Taxation of Natural Psychedelic Substances (H.4607): This legislation proposes to establish regulatory and taxation frameworks for natural psychedelic substances, potentially fostering a new industry within the state.
View Bill H.4607
7. Minimum Wages Act
An Act to Require the Full Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers with Tips on Top (H.4606): Aimed at ensuring that tipped employees in the service industry receive the full state minimum wage in addition to their tips. This bill is designed to provide a more stable income for tipped workers.
View Bill H.4606
8. Massachusetts Secure Choice Savings Program Act
(H.998 and S.624): This legislation proposes a state-run retirement savings program aimed at assisting approximately 1.2 million workers in Massachusetts who don’t have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. The program would automatically enroll employees, allowing them to save a portion of their wages in an individual retirement account (IRA) at no cost to employers. The initiative is designed to be a public-private partnership, professionally managed but overseen by the commonwealth, and offers employees control over their contributions with the option to opt-out at any time. The act is currently under consideration and has garnered significant support due to its potential to increase retirement savings and reduce future state expenditures on social assistance programs due to inadequate retirement savings. For more details on the bill and its legislative journey, you can check out its progress here for H.998 and here for S.624.
9. Economic Development Bond Bill (MassLeads Act)
As of the latest information available, the Massachusetts Economic Development Bond Bill, also known as the #MassLeadsAct, aims to stimulate the state’s economy by investing in infrastructure, technology, and workforce development. This comprehensive package includes funding for various projects across the state, designed to enhance economic growth and improve the business climate. However, specific details on the status of this bill were not immediately available from the recent searches. For updates and detailed information, you might want to monitor the Massachusetts Legislature’s website or directly contact your local legislative representatives.
CONTRIBUTOR
Inc413 News Team
The Inc413 news team compiles business stories from across Western Massachusetts and beyond. Our primary focus is on stories that have an impact on small businesses, entrepreneurs, and the people they employ.
