H 4474
An Act relative to provisional employees of the city of Worcester and exempting certain positions from the civil service law
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill proposes to create a system of provisional employment for city of Worcester employees and exempt certain positions from the city’s civil service law. The bill aims to provide more flexibility in hiring and retaining qualified individuals, particularly in areas where civil service restrictions may hinder recruitment. It seeks to allow the city to hire individuals without requiring them to go through the traditional civil service process for certain roles.
Key provisions
- Establishes a system of provisional employment for Worcester city employees.
- Exempts specific positions within the city of Worcester from the civil service law.
- Allows the city council to determine which positions qualify for exemption.
- Provides for a probationary period for provisional employees.
- Maintains employee protections and benefits during the provisional period.
- Addresses the need for flexibility in hiring within the city of Worcester.
- Aligns with similar legislation previously enacted in other Massachusetts towns and cities.
Who is affected
- City of Worcester employees
- City of Worcester city council
- Potential Worcester city employees
- Individuals seeking employment with the City of Worcester
Notable changes
- Creates a new category of employment – provisional – within Worcester city government.
- Offers an alternative to the traditional civil service process for certain positions.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
James J. O'Day
Cosponsors
James J. O'Day
Michael O. Moore
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.4474 194th (Current)
An Act relative to provisional employees of the city of Worcester and exempting certain positions from the civil service law
By Representative O'Day of West Boylston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4474) of James J. O'Day and Michael O. Moore (with the approval of the city council) relative to provisional employees of the city of Worcester and exempting certain positions from the civil service law. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: James J. O'Day City/Town: Worcester (Local Approval Received)
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.4474
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 9/4/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Public Service |
| 9/8/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 10/2/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 10/15/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-1 |
| 1/15/2026 | House | Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 4/13/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5356 (under House Rule 27) |
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