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Bill

HD 279

An Act relative to employee references

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Joe McKenna

Massachusetts bill establishing employee protections for workplace references, limiting what employers can disclose about former workers to prospective employers.

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Bill Summary · HD 279

Legislative bill overview

HD 279 establishes protections for employees regarding workplace references provided by employers. The bill addresses what information employers can disclose when giving references to prospective employers and sets standards for accuracy and scope. It aims to prevent employers from unfairly damaging employees' employment prospects through selective or misleading reference information.

Why is this important

Employment references significantly impact job seekers' ability to secure new positions. Without clear protections, employees may face retaliation or suffer career damage from subjective or inaccurate reference information. This bill creates accountability for employers and clarifies the legal boundaries of what constitutes acceptable reference practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Business autonomy concerns: Employers may argue that strict reference regulations limit their ability to honestly communicate about employee performance or conduct to future employers
  • Verification and liability issues: Unclear definitions of what qualifies as protected reference information could create legal ambiguity about whether employers can be sued for providing negative—but truthful—references
  • Implementation burden: Small businesses may face compliance costs if the bill requires documentation, verification processes, or legal review before providing references

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

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