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H 2178

An Act relative to establishing a prevailing wage for security officers

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Chynah Tyler

H.2178 mandates prevailing wage standards for Massachusetts security officers, raising labor costs but ensuring higher worker compensation and standard-setting on covered projects.

Hearing scheduled for 11/17/2025 from 11:00 AM-12:20 PM in B-1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 2178

Legislative bill overview

H.2178 would establish prevailing wage requirements for security officers in Massachusetts, mandating that security workers on certain projects—likely public or publicly-funded contracts—earn wages determined by prevailing wage standards rather than market rates. The bill is currently under review by the Labor and Workforce Development Committee, with a hearing scheduled for November 17, 2025.

Why is this important

Security is a substantial employment sector, and prevailing wage laws significantly affect worker compensation, project costs, and labor market standards. This legislation would directly impact security workers' earning potential and could influence how businesses budget for security services on public contracts, potentially affecting taxpayer costs and labor competition.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to public entities and contractors: Prevailing wage requirements typically increase labor costs by 20-50%, raising expenses for public agencies and private contractors bidding on public work
  • Scope definition: Unclear which security positions and project types would be covered (all security roles? only those on public buildings? all contract security?), creating potential implementation ambiguity
  • Small business impact: Smaller security firms may struggle to meet higher wage requirements, potentially reducing competition and limiting market entry for emerging companies
  • Labor market effects: Critics argue prevailing wages may reduce job availability by pricing out less experienced workers; supporters contend it prevents wage suppression and ensures quality services

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

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