Bill > H2171

This bill aims to improve the transparency and accessibility of workforce development data in Massachusetts by making several key changes to existing law. The bill modifies Section 14P of chapter 151A to expand how workforce and unemployment data can be shared between government agencies, workforce development boards (including Masshire boards), and other entities. It requires the Department of Unemployment Assistance to develop standardized procedures for requesting and approving data disclosure, including creating a standard application, establishing a 30-business-day review process, and making the requirements publicly available on their website. The bill also mandates that demographic and program participation data be reported quarterly, with strict protections for individual privacy. Additionally, the bill establishes a task force composed of various workforce and education agencies to develop strategies for improving workforce data infrastructure, including connecting data across states, ensuring data security, improving wage data sharing, participating in education-to-career data systems, and analyzing program access and outcomes. The task force is required to submit a comprehensive report with recommendations and potential legislative drafts by January 1, 2026, with the overall goal of creating more transparent and effective workforce development data systems that can demonstrate how education and training programs contribute to sustainable employment in Massachusetts.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2171