HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 4136

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, October 18, 2023.

The committee on Labor and Workforce Development to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1853) of Josh S. Cutler and others relative to the Department of Unemployment Assistance Advisory Council, reports recommending that the accompanying bill (House, No. 4136) ought to pass.

For the committee,

JOSH S. CUTLER.

        FILED ON: 10/17/2023

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 4136

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
(2023-2024)

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An Act relative to the Department of Unemployment Assistance Advisory Council.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. Section 9N of chapter 23 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out the first paragraph and inserting in place thereof the following paragraph:-

(a) There shall be in the department of unemployment assistance, but not subject to the control of the director of unemployment assistance, a state advisory council of 7 members appointed by the governor, including at least 1 member from each list of nominees submitted by the following organizations: the Massachusetts AFL–CIO, the Massachusetts Building Trades Council, and the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation. Two members shall be persons who, because of their vocations, employments, occupations or affiliations, can be classed as employers. The governor shall from time to time designate one of the members as chairman. Of the members originally appointed, 2 members shall be chosen for a term of 4 years, and the remaining members shall be chosen for a term of 6 years; and thereafter as their terms expire the governor shall appoint members for terms of 6 years. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment by the governor, with like advice and consent, for the remainder of the unexpired term, except that if the governor fails to fill such vacancy within 60 days after such vacancy exists, such vacancy shall be filled forthwith by a majority vote of all the remaining members of the advisory council for the remainder of the unexpired term. All members shall serve until the qualification of their respective successors. The council shall meet at least 6 times a year. Each of the members of the council shall receive the sum of $100 as compensation for each day's attendance at meetings of the council; provided, that the total amount paid hereunder to any such member shall not exceed $3,000 in any calendar year. Members of the council shall receive their traveling and other necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The director of unemployment assistance shall provide for the council suitable meeting quarters and such clerical and other assistance as the council may deem necessary. Said offices and the incumbents thereof shall not be subject to chapter 31 and the rules and regulations made thereunder.

SECTION 2. Said section 9N of said chapter 23 is hereby further amended by inserting after the last paragraph the following paragraph:-

(c) The state advisory council shall be subject to sections 18 through 25, inclusive, of chapter 30A of the general laws.

SECTION 3. Section 62 of chapter 151A of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out, in line 28, the words “commerce and labor”, and inserting in place thereof the following words:- labor and workforce development