Bill > S1264

This bill amends several sections of Massachusetts labor law to standardize and clarify the process for employees seeking legal recourse when they believe their workplace rights have been violated. Specifically, the bill establishes a consistent framework across multiple sections of Chapter 149 of the General Laws that allows employees who have been aggrieved by workplace violations to file a civil action after first filing a complaint with the attorney general. Employees must wait 90 days after filing the complaint with the attorney general, or receive the attorney general's written consent to proceed sooner, and must file the civil action within 3 years of the violation. The bill introduces a significant provision for damages: if an employee prevails in a lawsuit and the violation is determined to be willful, they can be awarded triple damages (liquidated damages) for lost wages and benefits, along with litigation costs and reasonable attorneys' fees. Conversely, if the violation is not deemed willful, the employee can still be awarded damages as determined by the court, potentially including litigation costs and attorneys' fees. This legislation appears designed to strengthen employee protections and provide a clear legal mechanism for addressing workplace violations.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1264