Bill > H2761

This bill addresses the "revolving door" between regulatory agencies and the industries they oversee by establishing strict restrictions on former government employees' subsequent employment. Specifically, the bill defines a five-year "cooling-off period" during which former employees of Massachusetts regulatory agencies are prohibited from accepting employment, consulting, or entering into contracts with any entity in the industry they previously regulated. The prohibition applies not just to direct employers but also to subsidiaries, parent companies, and affiliates where the former employee could potentially exert regulatory influence. The State Ethics Commission is granted authority to investigate and enforce these restrictions, with potential penalties including fines up to $50,000, injunctions, and mandatory divestiture of financial gains from improper employment. The bill does allow for exceptions if the State Ethics Commission determines that the new employment does not involve direct conflicts of interest and does not relate to the employee's previous regulatory responsibilities. Additionally, regulatory agencies must submit annual reports detailing employee departures and their subsequent employment, enhancing transparency and accountability in government-industry transitions.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2761