WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 1316

An Act creating an employer’s duty of care to safeguard its employees from workplace bullying

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Feeney and 2 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill establishing employer legal duty to prevent workplace bullying through policies, investigation, and corrective action or face employee lawsuits.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 1316

Legislative bill overview

S 1316 establishes a legal duty for Massachusetts employers to implement policies and take preventive measures to protect employees from workplace bullying. The bill would create enforceable standards requiring employers to document incidents, investigate complaints, and implement corrective action plans to address bullying behavior.

Why is this important

Workplace bullying affects employee mental health, productivity, and retention, yet currently lacks explicit legal protection in Massachusetts employment law. This bill would provide employees with a statutory cause of action against employers who fail to prevent or address bullying, potentially reducing hostile work environments and establishing clearer accountability standards for employers across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: "Workplace bullying" may be difficult to define precisely in law, potentially leading to disputes over what conduct qualifies versus legitimate workplace criticism or management decisions
  • Employer liability concerns: Small to medium-sized businesses may face increased litigation risk and compliance costs, particularly if liability is strict rather than negligence-based
  • Intersection with existing protections: Overlap with current protections for harassment based on protected classes (race, gender, disability) may create redundancy or confusion about when different legal frameworks apply

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

Sign in to ask a question.