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Bill

H 5361

Study Order

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

The bill authorizes a detailed study of Massachusetts workers’ compensation and eight-hour work-day provisions to recommend reforms and draft implementing legislation by 12/31/2026

Discharged to the committee on House Rules
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Bill Summary · H 5361

Summary of Massachusetts House Bill H. 5361 (194th Legislature)

Title

Study Order: Authorized investigation into worker compensation and work hours.

Purpose and Intent

H.5361 directs the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development to conduct a comprehensive study of five companion bills (House Documents 2067, 2128, 2131, 2133, and 2182) that address worker compensation and work hours. The primary goal is to examine, evaluate, and report on potential reforms or changes needed in Massachusetts law, and to draft legislative proposals to implement any recommended changes.

Key Provisions

  • Authorization to Investigate: The Committee on Labor and Workforce Development is authorized to sit during a recess of the General Court to study the specified documents, which relate to:

    • Worker compensation systems and benefits
    • Compensation of certain employees
    • Regulation of workers’ compensation benefits
    • Forfeiture provisions related to workers’ compensation
    • Eight-hour work day provisions

  • Scope of Study: While the bill text does not detail specific policy changes, the study is expected to consider:

    • Current structure and adequacy of workers’ compensation benefits
    • Eligibility, calculation, and administration of workers’ compensation
    • Pay, benefits, and protections for workers in various employment sectors
    • Potential adjustments to compensation regimes, administration, enforcement, and penalties (including forfeiture provisions)
    • Feasibility, impacts, and timelines for implementing an eight-hour work day or related hour standards (per the referenced H.2182)

  • Deliverables: The committee must report:

    • The results of the investigation and study
    • Any recommendations for changes or reforms
    • Drafts of legislation necessary to implement the recommendations

  • Deadline: The committee must file the report and legislative drafts with the Clerk of the House on or before December 31, 2026.

Who Is Affected

  • Workers and Employees: Individuals covered by Massachusetts workers’ compensation programs, including those seeking benefits or subject to compensation rules.
  • Employers: Businesses subject to workers’ compensation requirements, administration, and potential changes to compliance.
  • Public Agencies/Administration: State agencies overseeing workers’ compensation programs and labor standards; potential changes could affect enforcement, adjudication, and administration.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Status: Ordered for study and investigation by the House.
  • Sponsorship/Referral: Referred to the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development for investigation; bills they will study are H.2067, H.2128, H.2131, H.2133, and H.2182.
  • Committee Action: The committee reported the order favorably and referred to Joint Rules; subsequently discharged to House Rules for consideration.
  • Reporting Deadline: December 31, 2026, for a final report, recommendations, and drafts of legislation.

Practical Takeaways

  • This is a procedural, study-focused bill rather than a direct policy change.
  • The outcome could include concrete legislative proposals to modify workers’ compensation benefits, enforceability, or related working-hour standards (including consideration of an eight-hour work day).
  • Any substantive policy changes would depend on the study findings and the committee’s recommendations filed by the 2026 deadline.

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

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