WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 4270

Evictions

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lucas Atkinson and 35 co-sponsors

Mass. H 4270 requires cosmetology shops, schools, and mobile services to display a standardized, multilingual National Human Trafficking Hotline notice (8.5x11) to aid victims.

Effective date 01/01/27
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 4270

Summary — H 4270 (Filed July 17, 2025)

Note: The file supplied includes text for two distinct measures. The primary Massachusetts bill (H 4270) concerns mandatory posting of human‑trafficking hotline information in cosmetology settings. The file also contains an unrelated South Carolina draft amending public‑records law for eviction filings. Summaries of both follow.

Massachusetts — Posting National Human Trafficking Hotline (primary text in H 4270)

Purpose / intent

Require cosmetology establishments, schools, and mobile cosmetology businesses to display a standardized notice with the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) hotline so patrons and employees can access help and reporting information.

Key provisions

  • Amends chapter 112 (cosmetology law) by redefining “Board” to mean the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering (per section 42 of chapter 13).
  • Adds new section 87DD½:
    • The Board, in consultation with the Attorney General, must make a sample sign available on its website.
    • The sign must be displayed conspicuously in shops, schools, or mobile cosmetology businesses so it is clearly visible to patrons and employees.
    • Minimum size: 8.5 inches by 11 inches.
    • Required notice text (exact wording provided):
      “WARNING. Obtaining forced labor or services is a crime under Massachusetts law. If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity using threats, harm, or restraint – whether it is commercial sex, housework, farm work or any other activity – call the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888. You can remain anonymous, and the Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
    • Text must be provided in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, and any other languages recommended by the Board. The Board (with the Attorney General) shall annually determine whether additional languages should be added.

Who is affected

  • Owners/operators of cosmetology shops, cosmetology schools, and mobile cosmetology businesses in Massachusetts — required to display the sign.
  • Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering — must produce and post the sample sign and recommend additional languages.
  • Attorney General’s office — consultative role on sign content and language choices.
  • Patrons and employees — increased access to hotline information and resources.

Legislative status & timeline

  • Introduced and read first time: 2025-03-27; referred to Committee on Judiciary.
  • Sponsor name additions: Wetmore (4/1/25), Bauer (4/10/25), Collins (4/23/25).
  • Reported from Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure and recommended to pass: 2025-07-17 (filed on 7/7/25). Referred to House Ways & Means on 7/17/25.
  • Next steps: consideration by House Ways & Means, then potential floor votes and enactment if passed by Legislature and signed by Governor.

South Carolina — Eviction Records Removal (separate draft included in file)

Purpose / intent

Limit public access to eviction filing records and require removal of certain eviction‑related public records to protect privacy and reduce long‑term collateral consequences for defendants/tenants.

Key provisions

  • Adds SC Code Section 60‑2‑60:
    • (A) Any public record that gives notice an eviction was filed but did not result in an Order of Eviction or Writ of Ejectment must be removed from public indexes and publicly accessible files if an Order/Writ is not filed within 30 days. Removal may be by court order or defendant application.
    • (B) Eviction filings and records (including concluded by Order/Writ, resolved by settlement, or resolved by payment) that include a defendant’s personal information must be removed from public indexes and publicly accessible files six years after final disposition. Files older than six years must be automatically removed from public view.
  • Effective upon Governor’s approval.

Who is affected

  • Tenants/defendants whose eviction filings are in public records.
  • Courts and clerks responsible for indexing and removing records.
  • Landlords and other parties who rely on public eviction records.

If you want, I can:
- Produce a one‑page handout version for outreach to cosmetology businesses, or
- Draft suggested implementation steps for the Massachusetts Board to comply with the new posting requirements.

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

Sign in to ask a question.