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HD 1894

An Act relative to employment protections for victims of abusive behavior

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Natalie Blais and 5 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill granting unpaid leave, schedule modifications, and anti-retaliation protections to abuse victims maintaining employment.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 1894

Legislative bill overview

HD 1894 establishes employment protections for victims of abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking in Massachusetts. The bill allows affected employees to take unpaid leave, modify work schedules, and receive workplace accommodations without fear of retaliation or termination.

Why is this important

Victims of abuse often face employment instability because abusers may sabotage work attendance, necessitate frequent absences for legal proceedings or medical care, or create safety concerns in the workplace. These protections enable victims to maintain economic independence—a critical factor in leaving abusive situations—while addressing practical workplace needs like schedule flexibility or safety modifications.

Potential points of contention

  • Employer burden: Small businesses may face operational challenges accommodating leave requests and schedule modifications, particularly in sectors with limited staffing flexibility
  • Verification concerns: Determining what constitutes qualifying abuse and preventing misuse of protections raises questions about documentation requirements and privacy boundaries
  • Definition scope: Disagreement may arise over which relationships and circumstances qualify (dating partners, former partners, family members) and whether emotional abuse meets the threshold
  • Cost implications: Unclear whether the state provides funding to offset employer costs or if the burden falls entirely on private businesses

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

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