WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HD 2797

An Act relative to bereavement leave

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sean Garballey and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill mandates paid bereavement leave for employees after family deaths, standardizing protections across all employers statewide.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 2797

Legislative bill overview

HD 2797 would establish bereavement leave protections for employees in Massachusetts, allowing workers time off following the death of a family member without fear of job loss or retaliation. The bill specifies eligibility criteria, duration of leave, and which family relationships qualify for protection. This addresses a gap in current Massachusetts labor law, which does not mandate bereavement leave at the state level.

Why is this important

Currently, bereavement leave policies vary significantly by employer, leaving many workers without paid time off to grieve and handle funeral arrangements and estate matters. The absence of a state mandate means lower-wage workers and those in service industries are often most vulnerable to losing income during family emergencies. Standardizing bereavement leave creates a baseline protection for all Massachusetts workers.

Potential points of contention

  • Duration and scope: Disagreement over how many days constitute adequate leave and which family relationships should qualify (spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, in-laws, etc.)
  • Cost to employers: Small businesses may argue the mandate creates financial burden, particularly for businesses with high employee turnover or seasonal staffing
  • Definition ambiguity: Questions about how "family member" is defined, whether domestic partners and step-relations are included, and whether employees must prove death through documentation
  • Interaction with FMLA: Potential overlap or conflict with existing federal Family and Medical Leave Act protections, creating compliance complexity

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

Sign in to ask a question.