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H 2166

An Act relative to updating overtime salary thresholds and codify definitions to protect the middle class

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Donahue and 1 co-sponsor

Bill H 2166 raises Massachusetts' overtime salary thresholds and clarifies worker classifications to expand overtime protections for middle-class employees earning below a specified salary level.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 2166

Legislative bill overview

H 2166 proposes to update Massachusetts' overtime salary thresholds and establish clearer legal definitions for employee classifications. The bill aims to ensure that more workers qualify for overtime protections by raising the salary floor below which employees are automatically entitled to overtime pay, aligning with federal standards or exceeding them.

Why is this important

Overtime salary thresholds determine which workers must receive premium pay for hours worked beyond 40 per week. By updating these thresholds, the bill could expand protections to middle-class workers currently classified as exempt from overtime requirements, potentially increasing take-home pay for affected employees while impacting employer labor costs and scheduling practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Business compliance costs: Employers may face increased payroll expenses and administrative burdens in reclassifying workers and calculating overtime, potentially affecting small businesses disproportionately
  • Threshold level disputes: Disagreement over what salary threshold is appropriate—whether it should match federal minimums or exceed them—could affect different industry sectors unevenly
  • Definition clarity: Codifying job classifications and duties to determine overtime eligibility could create new litigation and enforcement challenges if definitions don't align with actual workplace practices

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

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