Massachusetts H2146: An Act ensuring domestic violence victims' protections for all employees in the Commonwealth

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

Chapter 149 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 148B the following section:- Chapter 148B ½: Leave from work when a contract worker has been victim of abusive behavior (a) For purposes of this section, the following words shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: ''Abuse'', (i) attempting to cause or causing physical harm; (ii) placing another in fear of imminent serious physical harm; (iii) causing another to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force, threat or duress or engaging or threatening to engage in sexual activity with a dependent child; (iv) engaging in mental abuse, which includes threats, intimidation or acts designed to induce terror; (v) depriving another of medical care, housing, food or other necessities of life; or (vi) restraining the liberty of another. ''Abusive behavior'', (i) any behavior constituting domestic violence, (ii) stalking in violation of section 43 of chapter 265, (iii) sexual assault, which shall include a violation of sections 13B, 13B1/2, 13B3/4, 13F, 13H, 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 23, 23A, 23B, 24, 24B, 26D, or 51 of chapter 265 or sections 3 or 35A of chapter 272 and (iv) kidnapping in violation of the third paragraph of section 26 of chapter 265. “Client employers”, a business entity, regardless of its form, that obtains or is provided workers …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Joseph McKenna (R, 18th Worcester) · primary sponsor
• Ryan Fattman (R, Worcester and Hampden)
• Alyson Sullivan-Almeida (R)

Latest actions

1. May 7, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see H5370 (under House Rule 27)
2. May 7, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 05/13/2025 from 11:00 AM-01:00 PM in B-1
3. February 27, 2025: Senate concurred
4. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on Labor and Workforce Development
5. : Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order

Common questions

What is H2146?

H2146 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act ensuring domestic violence victims' protections for all employees in the Commonwealth.

What is the status of H2146?

Failed as of May 7, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a study order, see H5370 (under House Rule 27) (May 7, 2026).

Who sponsored H2146?

Joseph McKenna (R, 18th Worcester), with 2 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for H2146?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2146