As 2026 begins, employers should be mindful of Massachusetts employment law developments that may affect a range of compliance obligations. New pay transparency requirements that took effect in 2025 will continue to impact covered employers’ pay range disclosure and reporting obligations and require prompt review of job postings and policies as well as practices around setting pay ranges. Scheduled increases to the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefit Cap will also take effect. In addition, legislative activity and litigation may impact wage requirements and the enforceability of noncompete agreements. In light of these developments, employers should review their compliance strategies and stay alert to further changes in the year ahead.
Massachusetts Wage Transparency Act in Effect
The Massachusetts Wage Transparency Act took effect in 2025. Under the law, as of 29 October 2025, Massachusetts employers with 25 or more employees are required to disclose pay ranges in all job postings and to current employees or applicants upon request, including for remote and hybrid roles tied to Massachusetts worksites.
Employers must also submit equal employment opportunity reports to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and noncompliance can result in escalating penalties, with a two-day grace period to correct violations through October 2027.
Recommended actions include conducting pay equity audits, updating job postings and descriptions, implementing policies for pay range disclosures and anti-retaliation, and training HR staff and managers on compliance and communication regarding pay transparency.
- Massachusetts Joins Growing Number of States With a Pay Transparency Law
- What Employers Should Do Before 20 October 2025 to Prepare for Massachusetts’ Pay Transparency Law
Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Update: Benefit Cap Increase for 2026
For calendar year 2026, the maximum weekly benefit amount available under the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave1 program will increase to US$1,230.39. This reflects the annual adjustment tied to the state average weekly wage…