Boston, December 20, 2025
A former Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor has urged the House to act on a bill addressing a domestic violence job-protection loophole. The proposed legislation aims to provide comprehensive protections for abused individuals, extending leave benefits to contract and temporary workers who currently lack coverage under the Domestic Violence Leave Act. This push for change highlights the urgent need for equitable safeguards in the workplace for all survivors of abuse, reflecting tragic cases that underscore the critical nature of this legislative initiative.
Boston: Call for Action on Domestic Violence Job Protection Bill
A former Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor has recently urged the state House of Representatives to act on proposed legislation aimed at closing a critical domestic violence job-protection loophole. The renewed call for legislative progress, made on Friday, December 19, 2025, highlights ongoing efforts to ensure comprehensive workplace safeguards for survivors of abusive behavior in Massachusetts. The bill seeks to expand existing protections, which currently fall short for certain categories of workers.
The Unmet Need: Protecting All Workers
At the heart of this legislative push is the recognition that Massachusetts’s current Domestic Violence Leave Act (DVLA), codified under Massachusetts General Laws c. 149, § 52E, while providing up to 15 days of job-protected leave for victims of domestic violence, applies primarily to full-time employees. This leaves a notable gap in protection for many, particularly contract or temporary workers, who may find themselves without recourse if they need time off due to violence. The proposed legislation, House Bill No. 2143 (H.2143), titled “An Act relative to employment protections for victims of abusive behavior,” was filed on January 15, 2025, and aims to rectify this disparity.
A Human Story Behind the Law
The urgency surrounding this bill is underscored by tragic personal narratives. For the past five years, the need for this legislative change has been illuminated through the compelling story of Amanda Dabrowski, a Webster resident whose case brought the loophole to public attention. In 2019, Ms. Dabrowski was tragically murdered by her ex-boyfriend. Months prior to her death, she had survived a violent attack at her home and, as a contract employee, was reportedly fired from her job within two days of the assault because her employment status precluded her from accessing the existing domestic violence leave protections. Her family, Ed and Beth Dabrowski, have since tirelessly advocated for this legislative amendment, testifying at the State House session after session. Their commitment reflects a profound human need for dignity and security in the face of profound adversity.
Legislative Journey and Current Status (State-level)
The bill has encountered a challenging path through the Massachusetts legislature. While it has successfully advanced through the Senate in previous sessions, it has repeatedly stalled in the House of Representatives. Currently, the bill has emerged from the Labor and Workforce Development Committee and is awaiting a vote in the powerful Ways and Means Committee, with no specific date scheduled for its consideration. This prolonged legislative journey has drawn attention to the imperative of safeguarding the economic stability of those experiencing domestic violence.
The broader Massachusetts Domestic Violence Leave Act, enacted in 2014, mandates that employers with 50 or more employees offer this leave for various purposes related to abusive behavior, including seeking medical attention, legal counsel, or securing housing. Employees are generally required to provide advance notice, unless in imminent danger, and employers may request documentation. The proposed changes aim to extend these fundamental protections to all workers, irrespective of their employment classification, thereby offering a more complete safety net to those striving for stability amidst personal crises.
The call from the former Lieutenant Governor serves as a poignant reminder of the legislative work remaining to be done, ensuring that the law reflects a compassionate understanding of the challenges faced by all survivors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the primary purpose of the bill currently awaiting action in the Massachusetts House?
The bill primarily aims to close a domestic violence job-protection loophole, expanding existing workplace safeguards for survivors of abusive behavior in Massachusetts.
Who urged the Massachusetts House to take action on this bill?
A former Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor recently urged the state House of Representatives to act on this proposed legislation.
When was the call for legislative action made?
The renewed call for legislative progress was made on Friday, December 19, 2025.
What is the specific loophole the bill seeks to address (State-level)?
Massachusetts’s current Domestic Violence Leave Act (DVLA) provides job-protected leave for victims of domestic violence, but these protections apply only to full-time employees, leaving contract or temporary workers vulnerable. The bill seeks to extend these protections to all workers.
What is the name and current status of the bill?
The proposed legislation is House Bill No. 2143 (H.2143), titled “An Act relative to employment protections for victims of abusive behavior.” It was filed on January 15, 2025, and is currently in the Ways and Means Committee with no vote scheduled, having passed the Labor and Workforce Development Committee.
What existing law does this bill seek to amend (State-level)?
The bill seeks to amend the Massachusetts Domestic Violence Leave Act (DVLA), codified under Massachusetts General Laws c. 149, § 52E, which was enacted in 2014.
What is the history behind the advocacy for this bill?
The urgency behind this bill is strongly linked to the case of Amanda Dabrowski, who was reportedly fired from her contract job within two days of surviving a domestic violence attack in 2019, because her employment status meant she was not covered by existing protections. Her family has been advocating for this change since 2020.
Key Features of the Proposed Domestic Violence Job Protection Bill
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Bill Name | House Bill No. 2143 (H.2143) – “An Act relative to employment protections for victims of abusive behavior” | State-level |
| Primary Objective | To close a domestic violence job-protection loophole by extending existing leave protections to all workers. | State-level |
| Current Loophole | Existing Massachusetts law (DVLA) provides job-protected leave for domestic violence victims, but primarily for full-time employees, excluding contract or temporary workers. | State-level |
| Existing Law (DVLA) | Massachusetts General Laws c. 149, § 52E, enacted in 2014, grants up to 15 days of job-protected leave for victims of domestic violence at employers with 50+ employees. | State-level |
| Leave Usage | Can be used for medical attention, legal services, securing housing, or other purposes related to abusive behavior. | State-level |
| Legislative Status | Passed the Labor and Workforce Development Committee; currently awaiting a vote in the Ways and Means Committee of the Massachusetts House. | State-level |
| Inspiration for Advocacy | The case of Amanda Dabrowski, a contract worker reportedly fired after a domestic violence attack due to lack of protection. | State-level |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Downtown Boston Forum Examines Recovery Strategies
Boston Police Report Over 200 Incidents and Multiple Arrests
Former Boston Employee Sues Mayor Over Allegations of Retaliation
Boston Mayoral Race Intensifies Over Immigration and Infrastructure
Boston Mayoral Race Heats Up Between Wu and Kraft
Boston Faces Decline in International Tourism
Boston Mayoral Race Intensifies as Kraft Invests $2 Million
Boston Faces Escalating Homelessness Crisis Amid Rising Costs
G7 Nations Reach Agreement Despite Domestic Challenges
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
