Massachusetts House Bill H3779

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/10/23
• Refer: 4/10/23
• Refer: 4/13/23
• Refer: 4/20/23
• Engrossed: 4/27/23
• Engrossed: 3/14/24
• Enrolled: 3/18/24
• Chaptered: 3/27/24
• Passed: 3/27/24

Caption

Establishing a sick leave bank for Lisa Balentine, an employee of the Department of Transitional Assistance

Impact

The establishment of this sick leave bank represents a shift in how employee benefits can be structured, especially in terms of voluntary contributions from colleagues. This legislation could set a precedent for similar initiatives in the future, potentially leading to a broader acceptance and implementation of sick leave banks in various public service sectors. The ability to create such a bank on a case-by-case basis may better support employees facing serious health challenges while promoting community and collegial support within the workplace.

Summary

House Bill H3779 seeks to establish a sick leave bank specifically for Lisa Balentine, an employee of the Department of Transitional Assistance. The bill allows (but does not require) other employees within the department to voluntarily contribute their sick, personal, or vacation days to this sick leave bank. This provision aims to provide additional support to Balentine during a health crisis, ensuring she has access to more leave time than her personal allocation may allow during her time of need.

Contention

While the bill is largely framed as an emergency measure to address Balentine's specific situation, it may garner varying opinions regarding its broader applicability and implications. Questions may arise concerning the fairness of using state resources or employee time to support individuals versus allowing those resources to remain available for general use. Additionally, considerations about the potential for abuse of such sick leave banks, whether through excessive contributions or misuse of leave, could also be points of contention amongst legislators and public employees.