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SD 2423

An Act relative to wage theft and due process

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Tarr

Massachusetts bill establishing wage theft enforcement mechanisms and due process protections to enable worker recovery of unpaid compensation from employers.

House concurred
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 2423

Legislative bill overview

SD 2423 addresses wage theft and due process protections for workers in Massachusetts. The bill establishes procedures and remedies for employees who experience unpaid wages, including mechanisms for recovery and legal recourse. It aims to strengthen enforcement and worker protections against employers who withhold or misappropriate earned compensation.

Why is this important

Wage theft—including unpaid overtime, improper deductions, and withheld final paychecks—costs workers billions annually and disproportionately affects low-wage and vulnerable employees. Strengthening due process and recovery mechanisms can incentivize employer compliance and provide workers practical pathways to recover lost earnings without lengthy court proceedings.

Potential points of contention

  • Employer compliance costs: Business groups may argue that expanded liability exposure and administrative requirements increase operational burdens, particularly for small employers
  • Penalty structure and deterrence: Disagreement over whether penalties sufficiently deter violations without being punitive enough to harm business viability
  • Burden of proof and due process: Tension between facilitating worker recovery and ensuring employers have adequate opportunity to contest claims before penalties apply
  • Statute of limitations: Questions about how far back workers can claim unpaid wages and whether lookback periods are reasonable for both parties

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

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