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SD 1178

An Act amending the Massachusetts paid family medical leave law definitions of a covered business entity and a covered contract worker

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jason Lewis

Summary of SD 1178: An Act amending the Massachusetts paid family medical leave law definitions of a covered business entity and a covered contract worker OverviewThis proposed bil

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Bill Summary · SD 1178

Summary of SD 1178: An Act amending the Massachusetts paid family medical leave law definitions of a covered business entity and a covered contract worker

Overview

This proposed bill seeks to amend the definitions of "covered business entity" and "covered contract worker" in the Massachusetts paid family and medical leave (PFML) law. The PFML law, enacted in 2018, provides eligible workers with up to 12 weeks of paid family leave and up to 20 weeks of paid medical leave per year.

Key Provisions

The bill would make the following changes to the PFML law:

  1. Expanding "covered business entity": The definition of a "covered business entity" would be expanded to include any business, organization, or individual that contracts with one or more self-employed individuals or independent contractors to perform work. This would close a loophole that previously excluded some businesses from PFML requirements.

  2. Defining "covered contract worker": The bill would add a new definition for "covered contract worker" to include any self-employed individual or independent contractor who performs work for a covered business entity, regardless of the terms or duration of the contract.

  3. Requiring PFML contributions: Covered business entities would be required to make PFML contributions on behalf of their covered contract workers, in addition to their regular employees. This ensures contract workers also have access to PFML benefits.

Impact

The changes in this bill would:

  • Expand PFML coverage to more workers in Massachusetts, including a growing number of self-employed and contract-based workers.
  • Require more businesses to provide PFML benefits and contribute to the state's PFML program.
  • Help ensure equitable access to paid leave for all Massachusetts workers, regardless of their employment status.

Procedural Details

  • This bill was introduced in the Massachusetts legislature on November 29, 2025.
  • It has been assigned to the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development for review and consideration.
  • If passed by the legislature and signed into law by the governor, the changes would take effect on January 1, 2026.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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