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H 2140

An Act creating a special legislative commission to study barriers to job retention for low-income workers

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by David LeBoeuf

Bill H 2140 creates a commission to study barriers low-income workers face in job retention, aiming to improve employment opportunities and economic stability in Massachusetts.

Discharged to the committee on House Rules
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Bill Summary · H 2140

Summary of Bill H 2140: An Act Creating a Special Legislative Commission to Study Barriers to Job Retention for Low-Income Workers

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 2140 aims to establish a special legislative commission tasked with investigating the barriers that low-income workers face in finding and retaining employment in Massachusetts. The intent is to identify challenges and propose actionable recommendations to improve job retention for this demographic.

Key Provisions

  • Commission Composition: The commission will consist of 17 members, including:

    • Co-chairs: The house and senate chairs of the joint committee on labor and workforce development.
    • Representatives from various executive offices, including labor, transportation, economic development, transitional assistance, and health and human services.
    • Appointees from the speaker of the house and the president of the senate.
    • Six additional members appointed by the co-chairs, with specific representation from the labor community, business community, and experts in low-income worker issues.

  • Study Focus Areas: The commission will examine and make recommendations on:

    • Existing barriers in Massachusetts that hinder low-income workers from securing and maintaining jobs with sustainable wages.
    • Strategies the commonwealth could implement to address these barriers.
    • Current laws and regulations that impact job retention for low-income workers.
    • Holistic service approaches to prevent fragmented responses to employment challenges.
    • Financial implications of the “cliff effect,” where minimal income increases lead to loss of essential benefits.

  • Public Engagement: The commission is authorized to hold hearings and invite public testimony to gather insights and information from experts and community members.

  • Reporting Timeline: The commission is required to submit its recommendations, including any proposed legislation or regulations, by March 1, 2027.

Affected Parties

The bill primarily affects low-income workers in Massachusetts, as well as stakeholders in the labor and business communities. The findings and recommendations from the commission could lead to changes in policies that directly impact employment opportunities and job retention for this group.

Legislative Status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Current Status: Discharged to the committee on House Rules as of November 20, 2025.
  • Previous Actions: The bill was reported favorably by the committee and had a hearing scheduled for June 10, 2025.

Conclusion

Bill H 2140 represents a proactive approach to understanding and addressing the challenges faced by low-income workers in Massachusetts. By establishing a dedicated commission, the legislation seeks to foster a more supportive environment for job retention, ultimately aiming to improve the economic stability of vulnerable populations within the state.

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

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