Massachusetts legislation · 194th General Court
Massachusetts H1981: An Act relative to the right to wear personal protective medical equipment
Status: Failed, March 26, 2026
What the bill says
From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:
SECTION 1. The following, as used in this chapter, unless the text otherwise requires or a different meaning is specifically required, shall mean— ‘Protective medical equipment,’ equipment that is worn to minimize exposure to health risks, which includes, but is not limited to, face masks, respirators, gloves, face shields, protective eyewear, and gowns. SECTION 2. (a) No individual shall be discriminated against or penalized for wearing necessary personal protective medical equipment. (b) Discrimination includes, but is not limited to, denial of service, eviction from premises, termination of employment or undue pressure to refrain from wearing personal protective medical equipment. SECTION 3. The request to momentarily remove personal protective medical equipment is acceptable at security checkpoints and at the request of law enforcement for identification purposes.
Sponsors
- Lindsay Sabadosa (D, 1st Hampshire) · primary sponsor
- Erika Uyterhoeven (D, 27th Middlesex)
- Puppolo, Jr., Angelo J. (D, 12th Hampden)
- Samantha Montaño (D)
- Carmine Gentile (D)
- Colleen Garry (D)
- Sean Garballey (D, 23rd Middlesex)
- Patricia Duffy (D, 5th Hampden)
- Kate Donaghue (D)
- Manny Cruz (D)
Latest actions
- : Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
- : Hearing rescheduled to 11/25/2025 from 10:00 AM-05:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
- : Hearing rescheduled to 11/25/2025 from 10:00 AM-04:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
- : Hearing scheduled for 11/25/2025 from 10:00 AM-05:00 PM in A-2
- : Senate concurred
- : Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
- : Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order
Common questions
- What is H1981?
- H1981 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act relative to the right to wear personal protective medical equipment.
- What is the status of H1981?
- Failed as of March 26, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27) (March 26, 2026).
- Who sponsored H1981?
- Lindsay Sabadosa (D, 1st Hampshire), with 9 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for H1981?
- On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1981
Source: official Massachusetts record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.