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Bill

HD 1828

An Act to prevent wage theft, promote employer accountability, and enhance public enforcement

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michelle Badger and 12 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill strengthens wage theft enforcement by expanding agency authority, increasing penalties, and improving employer accountability to recover workers' unpaid wages.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 1828

Legislative bill overview

HD 1828 establishes stronger protections against wage theft by expanding enforcement mechanisms, increasing penalties for violations, and creating employer accountability measures. The bill enhances the role of public agencies in prosecuting wage theft cases and provides workers with additional remedies and protections when employers unlawfully withhold wages or benefits.

Why is this important

Wage theft—including unpaid overtime, illegal deductions, and withheld paychecks—costs workers billions annually and disproportionately affects low-wage and immigrant workers who may lack knowledge of their rights. Strengthening enforcement and accountability can recover lost wages and deter employer misconduct that currently often goes unpunished due to limited resources for private litigation.

Potential points of contention

  • Business compliance costs: Employers argue increased reporting requirements and liability exposure raise operational burdens, particularly for small businesses unfamiliar with complex wage laws
  • Scope of enforcement authority: Disputes over whether expanded government enforcement overreaches into disputes better resolved through private litigation or arbitration
  • Penalty levels: Disagreement on whether proposed financial penalties are proportionate or constitute excessive punishment that discourages hiring in vulnerable communities

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

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