Bill > H140

This bill proposes to amend existing Massachusetts law, specifically Section 16 of Chapter 136 of the general laws, to allow certain retail stores and shops to open on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day, which are currently restricted holidays. The key provision allows stores that sell foods and goods labeled in both English and another language, where the non-English labeling constitutes more than 50% of the total goods, to operate on these holidays. However, this exemption is conditional: the store must receive approval from its local municipal licensing board, must not violate any collective bargaining agreements, and must comply with regulations related to employment laws, including those concerning discrimination and employee rights. Importantly, no employee can be forced to work on these holidays, and refusing to work will not be grounds for any form of penalty or adverse employment action.