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Read. Follow. Verify.Massachusetts bill bans workplace nondisclosure agreements for harassment and discrimination and requires settlement transparency
Last action · November 4, 2025: Hearing rescheduled to 11/04/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
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What This Bill Would Do
Massachusetts prohibits settlement agreements and employment contracts from containing nondisclosure or s regarding workplace discrimination, harassment, sex offenses, and retaliation. The measure voids any such existing provisions, bans public funds from settling these claims against public employees, and requires all government settlement agreements to be posted publicly on the CTHRU financial platform.
Changes legal rules for Massachusetts employers and employees by making confidentiality clauses in workplace misconduct settlements legally void and unenforceable, while giving claimants the right to a jury trial, attorney's fees, and complete confidentiality of their own identity if requested.
- Bill H.10 originates from recommendations made by the State Auditor regarding nondisclosure agreements. context
- Chapter 151B of the Massachusetts General Laws governs unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation. context
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Massachusetts employers
Employers are prohibited from including enforceable nondisclosure or non-disparagement clauses regarding workplace harassment, discrimination, or misconduct in settlements and employment contracts.
Employees and students in government entities
Claimants and victims of workplace misconduct
Victims gain the right to disclose workplace misconduct without losing settlement consideration, are entitled to a jury trial, can recover attorney's fees, and may request to shield their own identity.
Attorneys practicing in Massachusetts
Attorneys face professional discipline by the Board of Bar Overseers if they demand prohibited nondisclosure provisions or advise clients to sign agreements containing them.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a victim still keep their own identity confidential in a settlement?
Are existing nondisclosure agreements completely wiped out?
What happens to government agencies that use nondisclosure clauses?
What penalties do attorneys face for writing forbidden nondisclosure agreements?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
5 actions- Nov 4, 2025JointHearing rescheduled to 11/04/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
- Nov 4, 2025JointHearing rescheduled to 11/04/2025 from 01:00 PM-02:30 PM in A-1 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
- Oct 29, 2025JointHearing scheduled for 11/04/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1
- Feb 27, 2025SenateSenate concurred
- Feb 27, 2025HouseCommitteeReferred to the committee on The Judiciary
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Comprehensive Ban on Misconduct Secrecy
The legislation shifts state policy from permitting private confidentiality in workplace misconduct settlements to making such clauses entirely void and mandating open reporting for government settlements.
Connected Entities
Sources
malegislature.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance85How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy70Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment15Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz65Current news / social attention level
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