Bill > S1295

This bill amends Massachusetts labor law to strengthen workplace harassment prevention requirements for employers. The legislation mandates that all employers develop comprehensive anti-harassment policies that explicitly state that all forms of unlawful harassment are prohibited, explain legal protections against harassment, outline the process for filing internal complaints, and provide contact information for state and federal discrimination enforcement agencies. Employers must provide each employee a written copy of their harassment policy by January 1, 2027, and develop training programs that meet specific standards, including being at least one hour long, conducted annually, and incorporating interactive elements like bystander intervention techniques. The training must cover legal non-discrimination requirements, explain different types of harassment, provide information on internal and external remedies for victims, and detail supervisory responsibilities in addressing harassment. While the bill requires employers to implement these policies and training programs, it explicitly states that mere compliance does not automatically protect employers from potential harassment liability. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination will develop a model policy and poster to assist employers in meeting these new requirements, and the Attorney General is authorized to create additional regulations to implement the law's provisions.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1295