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HD 1059

An Act relative to the notification of large job layoffs

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Hunt

Massachusetts bill requiring employers to give 60-day advance notice to workers and state before large-scale layoffs, allowing time for job searches and community response planning.

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Bill Summary · HD 1059

Legislative bill overview

HD 1059 requires employers to provide advance notice to workers, unions, and state agencies before conducting large-scale layoffs or plant closures. The bill establishes a minimum notification period—typically 60 days—giving affected workers time to seek new employment or participate in retraining programs. It also requires employers to disclose reasons for the layoff and provide information about available assistance programs.

Why is this important

Mass layoffs create significant hardship for workers and communities, often with little warning. Advance notice requirements allow workers to plan financially, retrain, and search for jobs proactively rather than scrambling after termination. Communities and states can also better respond to economic disruption through targeted support services and economic development initiatives.

Potential points of contention

  • Business burden: Employers argue that mandatory notice periods reduce operational flexibility and may incentivize them to relocate to states with less restrictive requirements
  • Definition thresholds: Disagreement over what constitutes a "large" layoff (number of workers affected, percentage of workforce) could significantly impact the bill's scope and compliance costs
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Questions about how the state will monitor compliance, what penalties apply to violations, and whether resources exist for adequate enforcement

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

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