Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H2564

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

Relative to a universal sick leave bank policy

Impact

The introduction of this bill seeks to amend Chapter 30 of the General Laws to include provisions for a consolidated sick leave bank. Employees wishing to receive leave from the bank must demonstrate that they have already utilized all available sick leave, vacation days, and personal leave. Furthermore, there are provisions to ensure that employees with prior instances of sick leave abuse are ineligible to receive additional leave from the sick bank. This regulatory framework could significantly affect how state employees manage their leave, promoting responsibility while also encouraging mutual support among workers.

Summary

House Bill 2564 seeks to establish a universal sick leave bank policy for public employees in Massachusetts. The proposed law mandates all state agencies to create procedures for employees to donate their sick leave into a communal bank. This initiative aims to provide a safety net for employees who exhaust their personal sick leave but require additional time off due to illness or injury. By pooling sick leave, the bill could potentially enhance support for workers experiencing health crises, thereby promoting overall employee welfare within the public sector.

Contention

Discussion around H2564 may include debates about the efficacy and fairness of a universal sick leave bank, particularly concerning the monitoring of sick leave abuse and the administrative burden for state agencies in maintaining the sick leave bank. Critics may argue that while the intent is noble, the implementation might be complex and could require substantial oversight to avoid misuse. Moreover, there might be concerns over how the policy interacts with existing collective bargaining agreements, ensuring that any new frameworks do not undermine negotiated employee benefits.

Companion Bills

MA H48

Similar To An annual report of the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (under sections 21, 102 and 103 of Chapter 32 of the General Laws) relative to the percentum change in the average cost-of-living as shown by the United States consumer price index for the year 2023 compared with such index for the year 2022

MA S2540

Similar To Proposed amendments to the rules and regulations governing retirement of public employees

MA H4626

Similar To Relative to disability pensions for violent crimes

MA H4746

Similar To Relative to disability pensions and critical incident stress management for violent crimes

MA H4518

Replaced by Study Order

Previously Filed As

MA H2875

Relative to a universal sick leave bank policy

MA H1590

Establishing a sick leave bank for Eric J. Iwaniec

MA H25

Establishing a sick leave bank for Holli Hill

MA H5053

Establishing a sick leave bank for Eric J. Iwaniec

MA H4084

Establishing a sick leave bank for Matthew McRae

MA H5128

Establishing a sick leave bank for Jeanne Rainone

MA S2386

Establishing a sick leave bank for Matt Blazes, an employee of the Worcester County Sheriff's Office

MA H3814

Establishing a sick leave bank for Sarah Kolb

MA H3752

Establishing a sick leave bank for Jane Racine

MA H4755

Establishing a sick leave bank for Gabriella Ruocco

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.