Massachusetts § 39 - Hours of labor in institutions; employees with less hours under other statutes; emergencies
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 39 — Hours of labor in institutions; employees with less hours under other statutes; emergencies, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39. Hours of labor in institutions; employees with less hours under other statutes; emergencies
Section 39. The maximum hours of labor of laborers, workmen and mechanics, of ward attendants, ward nurses, industrial and occupational therapists and watchmen, and of employees in kitchen, dining-room and domestic services, in state and county institutions, and of officers and instructors of state penal institutions and county penal and reformatory institutions, shall not exceed forty in each week. The foregoing provision shall not be construed as authorizing the employment of any such officer or employee whose work day and week is fixed under section thirty A or any other provision of law at less than said forty hours maximum to be employed beyond the hours so fixed and within said maximum without the payment of overtime. This section shall not prevent the superintendent, warden or executive officer from requiring the services of any person in any emergency where the health or safety of patients or inmates would otherwise be endangered, or in any extraordinary emergency, or in apprehending an escaped inmate.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 39
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 39 cover?
Section 39 ("Hours of labor in institutions; employees with less hours under other statutes; emergencies") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 39?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 39" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 39 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.