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H 4323

An Act establishing a sick leave bank for Alexandra Schwartz, an employee of the Massachusetts Department of State Police

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Barrett and 1 co-sponsor

Creates a donor-funded sick leave bank exclusively for Alexandra Schwartz (MSP) to cover her illness-related absences.

Signed by the Governor, Chapter 25 of the Acts of 2025
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Bill Summary · H 4323

Summary of H 4323: An Act establishing a sick leave bank for Alexandra Schwartz, Massachusetts Department of State Police

Overview

H 4323 is a narrowly targeted bill that creates a dedicated sick leave bank for Alexandra Schwartz, an employee of the Massachusetts Department of State Police (MSP). The measure was introduced in July 2025 and became law as Chapter 25 of the Acts of 2025, with an emergency preamble and immediate effect upon signing by the Governor.

Purpose and intent

  • To establish a 1) sick leave bank specifically for Alexandra Schwartz, 2) funded by voluntary contributions from MSP employees, 3) to provide days for Schwartz’s illness or disability as determined by the MSP.
  • The bill uses an emergency provision to take effect immediately, ensuring prompt access to the bank if needed.

Key provisions

  • Establishment: The MSP shall establish a sick leave bank for Alexandra Schwartz. This establishment is authorized “notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary.”
  • Contributions: Any MSP employee may voluntarily contribute one or more days of sick, personal, or vacation leave to the bank for Schwartz’s use.
  • Use of banked days: Bank days may be used only for absences related to the illness or disability that necessitated the establishment of the bank, as determined by the MSP.
  • Termination or dissolution: If Schwartz terminates employment with the MSP or requests the dissolution of the bank, any remaining time in the sick leave bank shall be transferred to the MSP’s extended illness leave bank.
  • Limitations: Bank days may not be used for absences unrelated to Schwartz’s illness or disability.

Affected parties

  • Alexandra Schwartz: the recipient of the banked leave.
  • MSP employees: potential contributors of leave to the bank.
  • Massachusetts Department of State Police: administrator and overseer of the bank and its purpose.
  • MSP’s leave policies: the bank interacts with broader state leave frameworks (notably the “extended illness leave bank” referenced in the bill).

Administrative and procedural details

  • The measure overrides existing laws to permit the creation and operation of this specific sick leave bank.
  • Administrative discretion rests with the MSP to determine eligibility and appropriate use of banked days for Schwartz.

Timeline and status

  • Introduced: July 10, 2025; Filed: July 8, 2025.
  • Legislative actions culminated in emergency preamble adoption on September 8, 2025.
  • Signed by the Governor and enacted as Chapter 25 of the Acts of 2025 (effective retroactively to the date of signing, with emergency status enabling immediate operation).
  • Related bill: HD 4895 (replaces).

Practical impact

  • Provides a private, donor-funded mechanism to support a single MSP employee’s health-related absence, potentially reducing hardship for Schwartz and her colleagues’ colleagues while highlighting targeted use of sick leave pools.
  • Establishes a framework that could influence similar targeted sick leave banks in the future, albeit limited to the covered employee and MSP context.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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