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

Establishes a DPH sick leave bank to support Andrew Bartlett during illness, funded by voluntary employee donations, usable only for his illness/disability.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling

Summary of Bill: H 5543 (194th General Court, Massachusetts)

Purpose

To establish a sick leave bank for Andrew Bartlett, an employee of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).

The bill designates the sick leave bank as an emergency measure intended for immediate effect.

Key Provisions

Establishment: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health shall establish a sick leave bank specifically for Andrew Bartlett.

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

Use of Banked Leave: Days from the sick leave bank may be used only for absences related to the illness or disability that necessitated creating the bank, as determined by the department.

Termination or Dissolution:

If Bartlett terminates employment with DPH or requests dissolution of the bank, any remaining days in the sick leave bank shall be transferred to the Extended Illness Leave Bank.

Limitations on Use: Bank days cannot be used for absences unrelated to Bartlett’s illness or disability.

Affected Parties

Primary beneficiary: Andrew Bartlett, an employee of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Other affected party: All DPH employees who may voluntarily contribute leave hours to the bank.

Administrative body: Massachusetts Department of Public Health, which will administer and oversee the sick leave bank and determine eligibility for use.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Emergency Status: The act is labeled an emergency measure, intended to take effect immediately to accomplish its purpose.

Enactment Path:

The bill originated as a joint petition from Representatives Dawne Shand and Senator Barry Finegold.
Timeline in action history shows committee consideration and referrals, with recent activity including favorable committee reporting and referrals to scheduling and public service committees.

Transfer of Banked Leave: Provisions specify the fate of remaining banked days upon Bartlett’s departure or dissolution request, directing transfer to the Extended Illness Leave Bank.

Practical Impact

Provides a formal mechanism to support a specific employee during a period of illness or disability through internal leave donations.

Encourages voluntary participation by DPH staff in contributing leave.

Ensures that banked leave is used solely for illness- or disability-related absences and sets a clear method for handling residual balances if the bank is dissolved or the employee leaves.

Creates a precedent for targeted sick leave banks for individual employees within state agencies.

If you’d like, I can add a quick comparative note on how sick leave banks typically operate in Massachusetts and how this bill aligns with or differs from existing practices.