Massachusetts § 4 - Supervisory personnel; creation of departmental positions

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 4 — Supervisory personnel; creation of departmental positions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 4. Supervisory personnel; creation of departmental positions

Section 4. Any person appointed to any supervisory position in the department, whether or not the same shall be classified under chapter thirty-one, shall be a person with experience and skill in the field of taxation or in the field of the duties of such position. So far as feasible each appointment to each such position not so classified shall be made by promoting an employee of the department serving in a position so classified; and in such event upon termination of his service in such supervisory position such employee shall, at his request, be restored to his former position without loss of seniority and with full civil service status and rights therein; except that if such termination shall have been caused by his delinquency, his right to be so restored shall be determined in accordance with section forty-three of chapter thirty-one.

No position shall be created in the department, except the positions of deputy commissioner, chief of bureau and director of accounts unless and until the same shall be classified under chapter thirty-one; provided, however, that the secretary from time to time may, upon recommendation of the commissioner of revenue and the personnel administrator, exempt from the requirements of this paragraph positions with significant supervisory duties; provided, further, however, that at no time shall there be more than twenty-five positions in the aggregate not so classified because of any such exemption or exemptions.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 4

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 4 cover?

Section 4 ("Supervisory personnel; creation of departmental positions") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 4?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 4" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 4 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.