Bill > S1296

This bill amends Massachusetts law to strengthen voting rights for employees by requiring employers to provide sufficient time off to vote without loss of pay. Under the new provisions, if an employee does not have enough time outside of work hours to vote during an election or early voting period, they can take time off during their work shift after giving their employer at least 3 days' notice. The time off should be taken at the beginning or end of the work shift to minimize disruption, unless both employer and employee agree otherwise. The bill also mandates that employers must post a notice explaining these voting rights, either physically or electronically, using materials prepared by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. If an employer refuses to comply with these voting time-off requirements, they can be penalized by being required to provide the affected employee with a full day's pay, with enforcement handled by the Fair Labor Division of the Attorney General's Office. This legislation aims to ensure that workers have a meaningful opportunity to participate in democratic elections without fear of workplace repercussions.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1296