Bill
S 1424
The bill adds a reference to Chapter 31 into Section 4b of Chapter 4, linking that civil service action provision to Chapter 31 procedures and scope.
Note on sources and inconsistencies
- The bill title provided by the requester (prohibiting discrimination based on religious attire) does not match the actual bill text included. The text and docket information attached to S.1424 are for a Massachusetts bill presented by Senator Michael D. Brady titled "An Act relative to civil service adoption." This summary is based on the bill text and docket information in the file (Mass. Senate Docket No. 1424).
Purpose and intent
- The bill makes a targeted statutory amendment to Chapter 4, Section 4b of the Massachusetts General Laws by adding an explicit reference to "chapter 31." The stated act title indicates the subject is civil service adoption; the textual change appears intended to bring actions or provisions governed by Chapter 31 (Massachusetts civil service law) within the scope of whatever is regulated by Section 4b of Chapter 4.
Key provision
- Amendment to Section 4b, Chapter 4 (2022 Official Edition):
- Inserts the words "chapter 31" after the phrase "action taken under" (in line 14 of the cited provision).
- No other language in the bill text is changed; the amendment is limited to adding the reference to Chapter 31.
What this means (plain language)
- By adding the reference to Chapter 31, the bill links the particular Section 4b provision to civil service actions governed under Chapter 31. Depending on the existing content and purpose of Section 4b, this can (for example) expand or clarify the types of administrative actions, appeals, procedural limits, or exemptions that apply to civil service matters. The amendment is narrowly tailored — it does not itself change Chapter 31 substantive civil service rules, but it alters how Section 4b applies in relation to Chapter 31.
Who would be affected
- Municipalities and regional governments (noted in the filing)
- Public employees and applicants subject to Massachusetts civil service laws (Chapter 31)
- Municipal or state officials who administer civil service actions, appeals, or related procedures that intersect with Section 4b
Procedural status and timeline (as provided)
- Filed in the Massachusetts Senate: January 7, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 65 / Senate No. 1424) — presented by Senator Michael D. Brady (Second Plymouth and Norfolk).
- Referred to committees (records show referral to Education and to Municipalities and Regional Government at different times).
- Hearing scheduled (per docket): June 10, 2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM, B-1.
- Entries indicate the bill was advanced and passed in the Senate and delivered to the House on April 24, 2025; however, the docket contains multiple duplicate and inconsistent entries. Consult the official Massachusetts legislative website for the most current status.
Related materials
- The filing cites municipal/regional government as the subject area. Prior or related Senate/House docket numbers are referenced in the file copy.
Recommendation
- To evaluate concrete legal effects, compare the current text of Chapter 4, Section 4b with Chapter 31 to see how the added reference changes coverage, deadlines, or remedies that govern civil service actions. For absolute confirmation of current status and any companion amendments, consult the official legislature docket or the bill file.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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