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SD 1000

An Act relative to bereavement leave

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Liz Miranda

Massachusetts bill requiring employers to provide paid bereavement leave to employees following family member deaths, establishing worker protections currently absent from state law.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 1000

Legislative bill overview

SD 1000 would establish mandatory bereavement leave protections for employees in Massachusetts by requiring employers to provide paid time off following the death of a family member. The bill specifies eligibility criteria, duration of leave, and which family relationships qualify for coverage under the law.

Why is this important

Bereavement leave directly affects workers' ability to grieve and handle end-of-life matters without risking job security or income loss. Currently, Massachusetts has no statewide bereavement leave mandate, leaving protections entirely to employer discretion, which creates inequity across industries and income levels.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of "family member": Disputes may arise over which relationships qualify (spouse, children, parents, siblings, in-laws, extended family, or unmarried/same-sex partners)
  • Duration and paid status: Disagreement over how many days constitute adequate leave and whether employers must provide full or partial pay during absence
  • Small business compliance costs: Concerns that mandatory paid leave increases operational costs and creates staffing challenges for smaller employers
  • Verification requirements: Questions about what documentation employers can require and privacy implications of medical/death certificates

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

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