Bill > H2814

This bill mandates that companies seeking to contract with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must disclose their historical involvement in the slave trade. Specifically, companies, including their majority-owned subsidiaries and predecessor companies that existed before 1889, will be required to complete an affidavit. This affidavit will certify that they have thoroughly searched their records for any participation in, investments in, or profits derived from slavery during the "Slavery Era" (defined as prior to 1889 in North and South America). The disclosure must include details about slaveholder insurance policies and identify any enslaved persons or slaveholders mentioned in the records. This requirement aims to ensure transparency regarding historical connections to slavery for entities doing business with the state.