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S 1354

An Act relative to bereavement leave

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Nick Collins and 5 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill mandates employers provide paid bereavement leave to employees following family deaths, standardizing currently discretionary workplace policies.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · S 1354

Legislative bill overview

S 1354 establishes mandatory bereavement leave protections for Massachusetts employees, requiring employers to grant paid time off when employees experience the death of a family member. The bill standardizes bereavement leave eligibility and duration across the state, replacing the current patchwork of employer policies and informal practices.

Why is this important

Currently, bereavement leave is largely discretionary, leaving many workers without job protection or paid time during grief—a period when they must handle funeral arrangements, legal matters, and family obligations. Standardized bereavement leave reduces financial stress on grieving workers and ensures equitable treatment regardless of employer size or industry.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to employers: Small businesses may face unanticipated payroll expenses, particularly if the bill covers extended leave or broadly defines "family member" (beyond spouse, children, parents)
  • Definition scope: Disagreement over which relatives qualify (grandparents, in-laws, step-relations, domestic partners) and how many days are appropriate for different relationships
  • Interaction with existing policies: Tension between employees with generous existing bereavement benefits and uniform state minimums that might be less generous

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

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