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S 77

Streaming of School Board Meetings

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Larry Grooms and 2 co-sponsors

MA cannabis licenses must attest non-interference with unions or show a labor peace agreement; CCC will list bona fide labor organizations to guide enforcement.

Act No. 28
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 77

Summary — S.77 (2025): "An Act to facilitate labor peace among the cannabis workforce"

Note on materials provided: The bill text attached to S.77 addresses labor peace in the Massachusetts cannabis industry (amendments to G.L. c.94G). Some supplied metadata (a different bill title about charter schools and an inconsistent sponsor list) appear to conflict with the bill text. This summary follows the statutory text of S.77 as filed January 6–13, 2025.

Main purpose

To promote "labor peace" in the Commonwealth’s cannabis industry by (1) defining labor peace agreements and bona fide labor organizations, (2) requiring licensing applicants and renewing marijuana establishments to attest they do not interfere with employees’ union organizing (or that they have a labor peace agreement), and (3) directing the Cannabis Control Commission to maintain a vetted list of bona fide labor organizations and adopt implementing regulations.

Key provisions

  • Adds definitions to G.L. c.94G, §1:
    • “Labor peace agreement”: agreement between a marijuana establishment and a bona fide labor organization that at minimum allows union agents to inform/communicate with employees about labor rights (including the right to form a union) in exchange for the labor organization refraining from picketing, work stoppages, or boycotts against the establishment.
    • “Bona fide labor organization”: an organization listed by the Commission under new §23.
  • Amends licensing criteria (c.94G §5(b)):
    • Applicants must submit an attestation that they will not interfere with union agents communicating with employees about labor rights; alternatively, they may submit a signed attestation between the applicant and a labor organization confirming a labor peace agreement.
  • Amends renewal requirements (c.94G §6(b)):
    • Renewing licensees must attest they have not and will not interfere with employees’ ability to form/maintain a union; alternatively satisfied by attestation that the licensee has entered and abided by a labor peace agreement.
  • Adds new G.L. c.94G §23:
    • Cannabis Control Commission must establish and periodically update a list of “bona fide labor organizations” actively seeking employees in MA.
    • Criteria for inclusion may include existing collective bargaining agreements, written bylaws/constitution, audited financial reports, affiliation with regional/national associations, membership thresholds, and independence from employer control.
    • Commission must promulgate implementing regulations in consultation with the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.
    • Exempts “Small Businesses” as defined in 935 CMR 500.02 and 501.02.

Who would be affected

  • Marijuana establishment applicants and license holders (adult-use and medical) in Massachusetts (must attest re: non-interference or labor peace agreement).
  • Employees of marijuana establishments (greater access to union organizers).
  • Labor organizations seeking recognition or membership in the cannabis sector (subject to Commission listing criteria).
  • Small businesses in the cannabis sector are exempt from §23 per the bill.

Procedural / timeline highlights (from provided record)

  • Introduced: January 6–13, 2025.
  • Referred to various committees (Cannabis Policy; Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs; Education references in supplied metadata appear inconsistent).
  • Hearing(s) scheduled July 22, 2025 (rescheduled location noted).
  • Reported favorably by committee and referred to Senate Ways & Means (record dated November 3, 2025).

Potential effects and considerations

  • Encourages employers and unions to adopt formal labor peace agreements that ensure union access while limiting disruptive actions.
  • May alter licensing outcomes by making attestation regarding labor relations a licensing condition.
  • Exemption for small businesses narrows application for the smallest operators.
  • Implementation will depend on Commission regulations and the mechanics for identifying and updating the list of bona fide labor organizations.

If you want, I can: (1) produce a side-by-side redline of statutory text changes, (2) draft potential regulatory questions the Commission will need to address, or (3) prepare a brief on likely compliance steps for a marijuana establishment.

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

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