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Bill

H 2117

An Act relative to protecting wages of deceased employees

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ken Gordon

Massachusetts bill requiring employers to properly distribute earned wages of deceased employees to their estates/beneficiaries rather than retaining compensation owed.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 2117

Legislative bill overview

H 2117 establishes protections for the unpaid wages of deceased employees in Massachusetts, ensuring their final paychecks and earned compensation reach their estates or designated beneficiaries rather than reverting to employers or being lost in administrative processes. The bill likely clarifies employer obligations regarding wage payment timelines and proper handling of deceased workers' compensation following death.

Why is this important

Families of deceased workers often face financial hardship and bureaucratic obstacles when trying to recover final wages owed to their loved ones. Clear statutory protections prevent employers from retaining earned wages and ensure that death doesn't result in workers' families losing compensation already earned, addressing a gap in existing wage protection laws.

Potential points of contention

  • Employer compliance burden: Businesses may face increased administrative costs and complexity in verifying beneficiaries and properly distributing wages from deceased employees
  • Definition scope: Disagreement may exist over what constitutes "wages" (base pay only vs. bonuses, commissions, accrued benefits, or unused paid time off)
  • Timeline requirements: Disputes could arise over how quickly employers must identify and pay deceased workers' beneficiaries versus the logistics of estate settlement

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

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