Bill > H146

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 136 of the General Laws to allow retail stores and shops to open on Thanksgiving Day, in addition to Sundays and other specified holidays like Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Labor Day, while still prohibiting them from opening on Christmas Day if it falls on a Sunday. The bill clarifies that labor and business directly related to retail sales are also permitted on these days, and these stores can sell all lawful goods and foodstuffs except alcoholic beverages. Importantly, any work performed on these days will be subject to existing laws regarding voluntary work and overtime pay, meaning employees working on these holidays would be entitled to time and a half their regular pay, as established by a previous law (Acts of 1982, chapter 556). The bill also defines these holidays as the legally recognized days they are celebrated.