Senate adopts bill to protect federal employees and service members in Massachusetts during federal shutdowns

Senator Lydia Edwards introduced and secured adoption of a measure described on the floor as the Federal Employee and Service Members Civil Relief Act of Massachusetts. Edwards said the law will protect federal employees and service members who live in the Commonwealth from eviction, foreclosure, late fees and other penalties during a federal shutdown when they are required to work without pay. She characterized the proposal as a nationwide-leading, durable protection so that future shutdowns will not cause immediate housing instability for affected workers.

Edwards described her recent service as a JAG legal-assistance attorney and cited counsel-seeking service members and federal employees who lack pay during a shutdown yet cannot collect unemployment. She said the measure will shield roughly 62,000 federal workers and service members who live in Massachusetts from near-term housing disruption by preventing landlords and mortgage servicers from taking certain actions while the shutdown is in effect.

The Senate adopted the amendment by roll call after sponsors requested the yeas and nays. Senators also offered and accepted friendly amendments; the final language and effective provisions will be recorded in the session journal and implementing guidance from executive branch agencies.