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Bill

H 2175

An Act relative to a youth training wage

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Brad Jones and 4 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill creates a lower minimum wage tier for workers under 20 to encourage youth hiring and job training opportunities.

Read second and ordered to a third reading
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Bill Summary · H 2175

Legislative bill overview

H 2175 establishes a separate minimum wage for workers under 20 years old in Massachusetts, creating a lower "youth training wage" tier. The bill was referred to the Labor and Workforce Development Committee in February 2025 and has a hearing scheduled for October 8, 2025.

Why is this important

Youth wage differentials directly affect employment opportunities and earnings for teenagers and young adults entering the workforce. This proposal could influence hiring patterns for entry-level positions while potentially impacting the economic security of young workers who may rely on wages for education, family support, or living expenses.

Potential points of contention

  • Worker equity concerns: Critics argue that a lower youth wage discriminates based on age and reduces earnings for young workers performing identical work, potentially widening economic inequality
  • Employment incentives vs. labor standards: Supporters claim lower youth wages encourage hiring and job training, while opponents contend it undercuts wage standards without proven employment gains
  • Implementation complexity: Questions remain about age verification, enforcement mechanisms, and whether employers would prefer cheaper youth labor over other workers, potentially displacing adult employment

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

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