Summary: An Act Establishing a Sick Leave Bank for David A. Russell (DOC)
Overview
- Purpose: Establish a dedicated sick leave bank for David A. Russell, an employee of the Massachusetts Department of Corrections (DOC), to provide days for his illness or disability.
- Emergency status: Declared an emergency law to take effect immediately upon enactment.
Purpose and Intent
- Create a voluntary sick leave bank within the DOC specifically for David A. Russell.
- Allow DOC employees to contribute their own sick, personal, or vacation days to this bank to support Russell during illness or disability.
Key Provisions
- Establishment: The DOC shall establish a sick leave bank for David A. Russell.
- Contributions: Any DOC employee may voluntarily contribute 1 or more days of sick, personal, or vacation leave to the bank for Russell’s use.
- Use of bank: Banked days may be used by Russell for absences related to the illness or disability that necessitated the bank, as determined by the DOC.
- Non-eligibility scope: Days from the bank cannot be used for absences unrelated to Russell’s illness or disability.
- Transfer on dissolution/termination: If Russell terminates employment or requests the dissolution of the bank, any remaining days in the bank shall be transferred to the DOC’s extended illness leave bank.
- Administrative framework: The bill uses the phrase “Notwithstanding any general or special law,” signaling override of conflicting laws to implement the bank.
Administration and Scope
- Entity: Department of Corrections (DOC) administers the sick leave bank.
- Beneficiary: David A. Russell, an employee of the DOC.
- Donors: All DOC employees may choose to contribute days.
Emergency and Effective Date
- The act is drafted as an emergency measure to be effective immediately upon enactment, ensuring prompt establishment and operation of the bank.
Procedural History (Legislative Actions)
- 9/29/2025: Referred to the committee on House Rules.
- 10/02/2025: Reported, referred to the committee on Joint Rules; rules suspended and referred to the Public Service committee.
Notes on Impact
- Direct beneficiary: David A. Russell.
- Indirect effects: Potential impact on DOC leave balances and administrative handling of sick leave banks; requires coordination within DOCHuman Resources/Leave administration to manage contributions, approvals, and transfer of remaining hours if dissolution occurs.
- Funding: No monetary costs specified; impact is in the form of inter-department leave credits.
