For the second time in just about a year , Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has hit state agencies with a hiring freeze.

The freeze announced Wednesday comes in response to what the Democratic administration has described as “widespread economic uncertainty” at the national level, and a “tightening budget outlook” at home.

The freeze, which is set to take effect May 27, will apply to all executive branch agencies and departments under the administration’s control.

Those agencies, which range from the Department of Transportation and Correction to Health and Human Services, will be barred from hiring new employees. And there won’t be a waiver process, Healey’s office said in a statement.

There will be exemptions, however, for certain positions, including public safety officers and dire

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