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HD 330

An Act protecting honest employers by creating construction private attorney general actions

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Patrick Kearney

Massachusetts bill enabling private construction workers to sue employers for labor law violations, recovering penalties and attorney fees to enforce prevailing wage and safety standards.

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Bill Summary · HD 330

Legislative bill overview

HD 330 would authorize private citizens to sue employers in the construction industry on behalf of the state for violations of labor laws, creating a "private attorney general" mechanism similar to California's wage theft litigation framework. The bill aims to enforce compliance with prevailing wage laws, safety regulations, and other construction-related labor standards by allowing individuals to bring civil actions and recover penalties and attorney's fees.

Why is this important

Construction is a high-violation industry where workers frequently face wage theft, misclassification, and safety breaches that government agencies struggle to monitor comprehensively. This mechanism could deter violations and recover damages without requiring state resources, potentially protecting workers and creating competitive fairness among employers who follow the law. However, it represents a significant shift in enforcement authority from state agencies to private litigation.

Potential points of contention

  • Litigation burden and frivolous suits: Critics worry the mechanism could enable opportunistic lawsuits and overwhelm courts, while proponents argue it fills enforcement gaps and deters genuine violations
  • Impact on small businesses: Honest small construction firms may face increased legal liability costs and exposure compared to larger companies with legal resources, potentially harming the businesses the bill aims to protect
  • Definition and scope clarity: The bill's effectiveness depends heavily on how "violations" are defined and which labor laws qualify, and overly broad definitions could create unintended consequences or excessive liability exposure

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

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