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HD 3410

An Act requiring an annual report on the labor market needs of the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Andy Vargas

Requires an annual public labor market needs report for Massachusetts with a five-year forecast; cross-secretary coordination to guide policy, funding, and career pathway programs.

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Bill Summary · HD 3410

Summary: An Act requiring an annual report on the labor market needs of the Commonwealth (HD 3410)

Overview

HD 3410 proposes adding a new requirement to Chapter 23 of the General Laws to produce an annual, public-facing report on Massachusetts’ labor market needs. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Andres X. Vargas (Haverhill) and is introduced in the 194th General Court (2025-2026). The core objective is to inform policy decisions and funding by documenting current conditions and forecasting workforce needs over a five-year horizon.

What the bill would do

  • Establish an annual labor market status report for the Commonwealth, plus a five-year need analysis to support economic competitiveness.
  • Require cross-secretary collaboration among:
    • Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development
    • Secretary of Education
    • Secretary of Economic Development
  • Make the report and related recommendations publicly available by December 31 each year.
  • Submit the annual report to the Governor, relevant state agencies, and the House and Senate Ways and Means committees to guide policy and funding decisions.

Key provisions

1) Contents of the annual report
- (i) Policy and investment recommendations to ensure the state has the workforce to meet known or anticipated future needs, including identifying growth sectors and expected gaps in employment.
- (ii) A progress report on career pathway programs across the state’s high schools, higher education institutions, and targeted industry workforce training programs.
- (iii) An analysis of data on the skills required for jobs in key industries, as identified by the Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development or listed in line 7002-8070 of section 2 of chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024.

2) Publication and submission deadlines
- The report and related recommendations must be publicly available no later than December 31 each year.
- The Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development must also submit the annual report to the Governor and relevant state agencies for decision-making, and to the House and Senate Ways and Means committees.

Who is affected

  • State agencies and secretaries named (Labor and Workforce Development; Education; Economic Development) responsible for producing and coordinating the report.
  • State policymakers, including the Governor and the Ways and Means committees, who rely on the report for policy and funding decisions.
  • Educational institutions (high schools, higher education) and workforce training programs, which would be evaluated in the career pathway progress section.
  • Employers and job seekers, as the report analyzes market needs and informs workforce development investments.

Timelines and process

  • Annual reporting cycle with a December 31 deadline for public release and for submission to officials.
  • The report aims to reflect current labor market status and forecast needs over the ensuing five years.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Pros: Increases transparency; aligns education and training with market demand; supports data-driven policy and investment; helps identify growth sectors and gaps.
  • Cons/Considerations: Effectiveness depends on interagency coordination, data quality, and available resources; the bill does not specify an appropriation, so initial funding requirements may influence implementation. The accuracy of five-year projections will rely on market data and methodology.

Status and context

  • Introduced in the 194th General Court (2025-2026) as House Docket No. 3410, House No. 2184, by Rep. Vargas. Current status in the provided material is not explicitly stated.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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