MA H5188

Establishes a 9-member special commission to study access to unemployment insurance in Massachusetts, focusing on timeliness and equity issues in claims processing

Commission membership includes the Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, Director of Unemployment Assistance, chairs of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, and 5 governor-appointed members

Governor's appointees must include 3 individuals with expertise in unemployment insurance or social services administration, and 2 individuals with personal experience filing unemployment claims

Commission will evaluate the Department of Unemployment Assistance's structure, operations, staffing levels, and budget to recommend improvements

Report with legislative, regulatory, and budgetary recommendations due to the legislature by October 1, 2026