Massachusetts S1357: An Act establishing protections for workers in hot conditions

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

SECTION 1. Chapter 149 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 203 the following new section:- Section 204. (a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise: “Heat Illness”, a serious medical condition resulting from the body's inability to cope with a particular heat load, and includes heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat syncope and heat stroke. "Heat Index", a measure that combines the temperature and humidity as defined by the U.S. National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. (b) Employees shall have access to potable drinking water that is fresh, pure, suitably cool, and provided to employees free of charge. The water shall be located as close as practicable to the areas where employees are working. (c) (1) When the heat index in the work area exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the employer shall have and maintain one or more areas with shade at all times while employees are present that are either open to the air or provided with ventilation or cooling. The amount of shade present shall be at least enough to accommodate the number of employees on recovery or rest periods, so that they can sit in a normal posture fully in the shade without having to be …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Mark Montigny (D, Second Bristol and Plymouth) · primary sponsor
• Jason Lewis (D, Fifth Middlesex)

Latest actions

1. August 10, 2026: Accompanied a new draft, see S3240
2. April 30, 2026: Reporting date extended to Thursday July 30, 2026
3. February 25, 2026: Reporting date extended to Tuesday March 3, 2026
4. June 12, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 06/18/2025 from 01:00 PM-04:00 PM in B-1
5. February 27, 2025: House concurred
6. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on Labor and Workforce Development

Common questions

What is S1357?

S1357 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act establishing protections for workers in hot conditions.

What is the status of S1357?

In committee as of August 10, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a new draft, see S3240 (August 10, 2026).

Who sponsored S1357?

Mark Montigny (D, Second Bristol and Plymouth), with 1 co-sponsor.

Where is the official record for S1357?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1357