An Act establishing a sick leave bank for Andrew Bartlett, an employee of the department of public health

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Barry Finegold and 1 co-sponsor

The bill creates an emergency sick leave bank for Andrew Bartlett at the Department of Public Health, funded by voluntary employee contributions and admin'd to cover his illness or

Referred to the committee on House Rules

Summary of Bill HD 6165 (Session 194th) – Massachusetts

Purpose and intent

This bill establishes a sick leave bank specifically for Andrew Bartlett, an employee of the Department of Public Health.

It authorizes the creation of a means for the department's employees to contribute leave to support Bartlett during illness or disability.

The bill is designated as an emergency law to take effect immediately for the purpose of promptly providing the sick leave bank.

Key provisions and changes

Establishment of a Department of Public Health sick leave bank for Andrew Bartlett.

Voluntary contributions: Any department employee may voluntarily contribute one or more sick, personal, or vacation days to the sick leave bank for Bartlett’s use.

Usage rules: Days from the sick leave bank may be used only for absences related to the illness or disability that necessitated establishing the bank; other absences are not covered.

Termination or dissolution: If Bartlett terminates employment or requests dissolution of the bank, any remaining time in the bank shall be transferred to the Extended Illness Leave Bank.

Administrative control: The Department of Public Health will administer the bank and determine eligibility and use, including ensuring the use is limited to the stated illness/disability purpose.

Who is affected

Primary beneficiary: Andrew Bartlett, an employee of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, who would receive sick leave from the new bank as needed for approved illness or disability.

Other potential participants: All state Department of Public Health employees may contribute days to the bank on a voluntary basis.

Department of Public Health: Responsible for managing the bank, verifying eligibility, and ensuring compliance with the purpose restrictions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Immediate effectiveness: The bill is drafted as an emergency measure to take effect without delay, ensuring the sick leave bank can be established promptly.

Transfer mechanism: If the bank is dissolved or Bartlett leaves the department, any remaining banked days would be moved to the Extended Illness Leave Bank.

Implementation date: Not specified in the text beyond the emergency designation; operational details would be established by the department upon enactment.

Additional notes

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Dawne Shand and Rep. Barry R. Finegold (with Finegold and Shand as co-sponsors).

It is a narrowly targeted mechanism, focusing solely on Bartlett and the creation of a dedicated sick leave bank, without broad applicability to other employees or general sick leave bank reforms.