Bill > H2166

This bill updates the overtime pay regulations in Massachusetts by modifying the definition and salary thresholds for exempt executive, administrative, and professional employees. The bill establishes clear definitions for these employee categories, specifying that to be considered exempt, employees must be paid a salary and have primary duties that involve management, administrative work, or specialized professional tasks. The salary threshold for exemption will increase incrementally: starting at $844 per week upon the law's effective date, rising to $1,211.53 in January 2026, and $1,403.84 in January 2027. After 2028, the threshold will be adjusted annually based on either twice the minimum wage or the percentage increase in median weekly earnings, whichever is higher. The bill also clarifies that an employee's primary duty is determined by the tasks they spend more than 50% of their work time performing, and defines salary basis as a predetermined payment not subject to reduction based on work quality or quantity. These changes aim to modernize overtime regulations and provide clearer protections for middle-class workers by ensuring that employees who do not truly have executive or professional roles are eligible for overtime pay.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2166