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Comerford bill would centralize Massachusetts state job postings, bar hires before statewide listing
Summary
State Sen. Joanne M. Comerford filed a bill on Jan. 14 requiring all Massachusetts agencies to send job notices to the Human Resources Division for immediate publication in the statewide employment computerized referral system and prohibiting filling positions until agencies comply, with limited statutory exclusions.
BOSTON — State Sen. Joanne M. Comerford filed legislation Jan. 14 that would require every Massachusetts state agency and institution to transmit all employment opportunities to the Human Resources Division and for the division to immediately post those notices in the statewide employment computerized referral system, and it would prohibit filling positions before those steps are completed.
The proposal, filed as Senate No. 1292 in the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court, would amend Section 4J of Chapter 7 of the Massachusetts General Laws to require transmission of notices of job opportunities, new positions and vacancies. The bill explicitly excludes positions subject to Section 46D of Chapter 30, Chapter 31 and Chapter 150E. The filing notes that "no position shall be filled without full compliance with this paragraph." The docket lists the bill for referral to the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development.
Supporters of centralized posting say the change would streamline public access to state job listings and create a single authoritative source for vacancies; the bill text itself emphasizes immediate placement in the statewide computerized referral system and a universal transmission obligation for "every agency and institution of the commonwealth." The bill tracks language similar to a measure filed in the prior legislative session (Senate No. 1150 of 2023-2024), which the docket references as "similar matter filed in previous session."
Key provisions in the filing: - It would add a new paragraph to Section 4J of Chapter 7 of the General Laws requiring agencies to transmit employment opportunities, notices and postings to the Human Resources Division. - It lists exclusions for positions governed by Section 46D of Chapter 30, Chapter 31 and Chapter 150E. - It requires immediate placement of transmitted notices in the statewide employment computerized referral system. - It states that no position may be filled without full compliance with the transmission and posting requirement.
The filing does not set an implementation date, specify enforcement mechanisms or provide estimates of administrative cost. It does not state whether existing automated feeds or agency hiring portals would count as compliance; those operational details would be expected to be addressed in committee hearings or implementing guidance from the Human Resources Division if the bill advances. The bill text also does not specify penalties or remedies for noncompliance.
The next step for Senate No. 1292 is committee consideration by the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development; the committee may hold hearings, solicit testimony from state agencies and stakeholders, and recommend amendments before any floor action. As filed, the legislation is a proposal and not law.
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