Bill

S 2131

Relates to securing payment of wages for work already performed; creates an employee lien

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jamaal Bailey and 21 co-sponsors

Creates an Office of Economic Empowerment within the State Treasurer’s office to advance equitable access to opportunities and resources through targeted programs.

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · S 2131

Summary — S 2131: "An Act establishing an office of economic empowerment"

Purpose / Intent

S 2131 would create an Office of Economic Empowerment within the Office of the State Treasurer. The stated purpose is to expand equitable access to opportunities and resources through equity‑centered programs, policies, and partnerships designed to promote economic mobility and financial independence for residents across the Commonwealth.

Key provisions

Adds a new Section 79 to Chapter 10 of the Massachusetts General Laws establishing the Office of Economic Empowerment within the State Treasurer’s office.
Places the office under the supervision and control of an Executive Director who:
- Serves as the executive and administrative head of the office.
- Administers and enforces applicable laws and regulations relating to the office and its administrative units.
- Acts under the direction, control, and supervision of the State Treasurer.
Authorizes the Executive Director, subject to appropriation, to appoint and remove employees deemed necessary to carry out the office’s duties, and to set their salaries and duties.
Grants the Treasurer discretion to determine the office’s specific functions “in relation to the provision of equitable access to opportunities and resources.”

Who would be affected

State Treasurer’s Office: new internal office and management responsibilities.
Executive Director and staff: positions to be created (subject to future appropriation).
Massachusetts residents, particularly low‑income and underserved communities who are intended beneficiaries of equity‑centered programs and services.
State budget/appropriations process: funding needed to staff and operate the office and to implement programs.

Procedural status & timeline (as provided)

Bill number: S 2131; Senate Docket No. 533; filed 1/13/2025.
Introduced in Senate: recorded 6/18/2025 (read twice and referred to committee).
Referred to various committees in the provided record (State Administration & Regulatory Oversight; Judiciary; Health, Education, Labor & Pensions); a hearing was scheduled for 10/14/2025.
Status listed as: REFERRED TO JUDICIARY.

Note: the provided legislative action dates and committee referrals contain inconsistencies (multiple referral entries and differing filing/introductory dates). The docket text itself shows the bill presented by Senator James B. Eldridge.

Fiscal and implementation notes

The statute authorizes positions and program activity but does not appropriate funds; actual staffing and program rollout would require separate appropriations.
The bill is largely enabling/organizational — it establishes authority and structure but does not specify concrete programs, performance metrics, reporting requirements, or enforcement mechanisms. Those details would likely be developed by the Treasurer and Executive Director or via future implementing legislation/regulations.