Bill > S1340

This bill aims to improve transparency and accessibility of workforce development data in Massachusetts by modifying existing laws to enable better information sharing and reporting. Specifically, the bill allows the director of the unemployment assistance department to provide workforce and wage data to various governmental agencies, including 16 Masshire workforce development boards, for purposes such as program performance evaluation, financial analysis, report preparation, and improving service delivery. The bill establishes a standardized process for requesting and approving data disclosure, requiring the department to develop a standard application, respond to requests within 30 business days, and make certain information publicly available on its website. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a task force within 30 days of the act's effective date, composed of various workforce and education agencies, to develop action steps for improving state workforce data infrastructure. The task force's goals include connecting workforce data across states, ensuring data privacy and security, improving wage data sharing, participating in education-to-career data systems, analyzing program trends and equity, and creating a two and six-year plan for system improvements. The task force is required to submit a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations by January 1, 2026, to multiple legislative and executive entities.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1340