In one paragraph
Massachusetts H77 would add G.L. Chapter 149B limiting employers' electronic monitoring and use of automated decision systems (independent impact assessments, 10 business days' notice, human oversight, no primary reliance for hiring, discipline or pay), and bar state agencies from using such systems for benefits or rights decisions unless authorized by law. Reported favorably and referred to House Ways and Means December 24, 2025; it has not passed either chamber.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None yet: the bill has not been enacted. If enacted, employers using monitoring or automated hiring and pay tools would need impact assessments, advance notice and human review.
Key provisions
- Electronic monitoring is unlawful unless for listed purposes, narrowly tailored, with prior written notice and consent; facial, gait, voice or emotion recognition (with a narrow facial-recognition security exception) and off-duty monitoring are barred.
- Employers may not use an automated decision system without an independent impact assessment (validity, proxy discrimination, disparate impact, accessibility, security, privacy), reassessed annually, with summaries sent to the Department of Labor Standards for a public registry.
- Employers must notify candidates and employees at least ten business days before using an automated decision system and may not rely primarily on its output for hiring, promotion, termination, discipline or pay without meaningful human oversight.
- Employees may sue the employer and responsible managers for restitution, liquidated damages equal to double restitution, fees and possible punitive damages.
- New G.L. c. 30, s. 66 and c. 30B, s. 24: state agencies and contractors may not use automated decision systems for public assistance benefits or functions materially affecting rights unless authorized, and agencies must run impact assessments at least every two years.
- An employer must stop using a tool whose assessment finds disparate impact or accessibility problems until they are remedied.
Latest legislative action
Dec 24, 2025. Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
Sponsors (showing 5 of 49)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. | Primary |
| F. Jay Barrows | Primary |
| Michael S. Day | Primary |
| Tricia Farley-Bouvier D | Primary |
| Adrianne Pusateri Ramos D | Cosponsor |
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error