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SD 2306

An Act to protect unpaid interns, volunteers, and independent contractors from sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Joan Lovely

Massachusetts bill extends sexual harassment and discrimination protections to unpaid interns, volunteers, and independent contractors currently excluded from employment laws.

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Bill Summary · SD 2306

Legislative bill overview

SD 2306 extends sexual harassment and discrimination protections currently available to employees under Massachusetts law to unpaid interns, volunteers, and independent contractors. The bill amends the state's anti-discrimination statute to ensure these worker categories have legal recourse for harassment and discriminatory treatment in the workplace.

Why is this important

Unpaid interns, volunteers, and independent contractors currently fall outside most employment protection laws, leaving them vulnerable to harassment with limited legal remedies. This gap is significant because these workers often occupy precarious positions with less job security and may be reluctant to report misconduct due to fear of losing opportunities or assignments.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition challenges: Determining who qualifies as an "intern," "volunteer," or "independent contractor" may create ambiguity and litigation over classification, particularly in gray-area situations
  • Employer burden: Small organizations and nonprofits (common users of volunteers and interns) may face increased legal liability and compliance costs, potentially discouraging volunteer programs
  • Scope of coverage: Questions remain about which protections apply to each category—for example, whether unpaid interns receive the same remedies as paid employees, and how this affects educational internship programs

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

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