New Laws Going into Effect in Massachusetts on Jan. 1
There are three new laws going into effect in Massachusetts on Jan. 1, 2025. Here’s a breakdown of each law.
Wage Equity and Transparency
Massachusetts Gov. Maura T. Healey signed H.4890 into law back in July. Starting on Jan. 1. The legislation ” … increases equity and transparency in pay by requiring employers to disclose salary ranges and protecting an employee’s right to ask for salary ranges.”
In a statement in July, Gov. Healey said, “I have long supported wage equity legislation and, as Attorney General, I was proud to work together with the business community to implement the 2016 Equal Pay Act. This new law is an important next step toward closing wage gaps, especially for People of Color and women. It will also strengthen the ability of Massachusetts employers to build diverse, talented teams. I want to thank the Legislature, advocates, labor unions, and the business community for their hard work to see this through.”
Massachusetts Parentage Act
Beginning on Jan. 1, there will be more protections for parents who use surrogacy, invitro fertilization, and assisted reproduction to start a family. Also included in the Parentage Act are updates to be more inclusive to LGBTQ+ parents.
Gov. Healey signed the Parentage Act into law in August and said in a statement, “Our laws need to reflect the realities of modern families and the loving environments where children grow and flourish. This moment is a victory for all families in Massachusetts who deserve to be treated with dignity and to have their rights recognized and protected under the law. We are grateful to our partners in the Legislature for their leadership in advancing this important legislation, and thankful to all of the advocates who fought for years to make this a reality in Massachusetts.”
Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave
Finally, the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Act has been updated and the maximum weekly benefit will increase from $1,149.90 to $1,170.64.
Per Mass.gov, residents can qualify for PFML for the following reasons:
- Caring for your own serious health condition as certified by a health care provider, including illness, injury, or pregnancy/childbirth (up to 20 weeks of paid medical leave)
- Caring for a family member with a serious health condition as certified by a health care provider, including illness, injury, or pregnancy/childbirth (up to 12 weeks of paid family leave)
- Bonding with your child during the first 12 months after birth, adoption, or placement (up to 12 weeks of paid family leave)
- Caring for a family member who was injured serving in the armed forces (up to 26 weeks of paid family leave)
- Managing affairs while a family member is on active duty (up to 12 weeks of paid family leave)
