Bill > S1305

This bill establishes comprehensive protections and accountability measures for delivery network company (DNC) workers, consumers, and communities in Massachusetts. The legislation creates a new regulatory framework that defines application-based delivery workers as employees, ensuring they receive minimum wage protections, with workers earning at least the basic minimum wage for all working time, including both assigned time (when actively making deliveries) and standby time (when logged into the app and available for assignments). The bill mandates that delivery network companies provide detailed payroll data, offer mileage reimbursement at the federal standard rate, and provide accidental liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence. Additionally, the legislation protects workers from retaliation, prohibits arbitrary deactivation, and establishes a process for workers to challenge unfair treatment. The bill also creates new oversight mechanisms through the Department of Public Utilities, requiring DNCs to submit detailed monthly reports about their operations, worker demographics, and delivery data. Notably, the bill includes provisions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by gradually increasing zero-emission delivery vehicles and establishes a framework for workers to potentially form unions and engage in collective bargaining. All provisions of the bill are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and include a 10-cent surcharge on each delivery to fund regulatory oversight.