An Act establishing a sick leave bank for Edward Gillen

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul McMurtry and 1 co-sponsor

The bill creates a DOT Highway Division sick leave bank to support Edward Gillen's illness, funded by voluntary employee donations and limited to his absences.

Reported, referred to the committee on Joint Rules, reported, rules suspended and referred to the committee on Public Service

Summary of Bill: HD 6230 (194th General Court, Massachusetts)

Purpose and Intent

Establishes a sick leave bank for Edward Gillen, an employee of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (DOT) Highway Division.

The bill directs the DOT to set up the sick leave bank and allows voluntary contributions from other DOT employees to support Gillen during illness or disability.

Key Provisions

Authority: The DOT – Highway Division shall establish a sick leave bank specifically for Edward Gillen.

Participation and Contributions:

Any DOT employee may voluntarily contribute 1 or more sick, personal, or vacation days to the sick leave bank.

Use of Banked Days:

Days in the sick leave bank may be used solely by Edward Gillen to cover absences related to the illness or disability that necessitated the establishment of the bank.

Administration and Oversight:

The department will determine eligibility and approve use of the banked days; days cannot be used for absences unrelated to Gillen’s illness or disability.

Dissolution and Transfer:

If Edward Gillen terminates employment or requests dissolution of the bank, any remaining time in the sick leave bank shall be transferred to the extended illness leave bank (a broader pool within the department or system as defined by the department’s policies).

Affected Parties

Primary beneficiary: Edward Gillen, employee of the DOT Highway Division.

Contributing employees: Other DOT Highway Division employees who voluntarily donate sick, personal, or vacation days.

Administrative body: Massachusetts Department of Transportation – Highway Division, which will administer eligibility and use of banked days.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

The bill is a proposed act (no explicit start date provided within the text). It directs the DOT to establish the bank upon enactment.

Conditions for dissolution or termination of the bank and the transfer of any remaining credits are specified, ensuring that unused days go to the extended illness leave bank.

Practical Impact

Provides a formal mechanism to support a specific employee (Edward Gillen) during an extended illness or disability through pooled sick leave donations.

Encourages voluntary participation by DOT employees, potentially increasing paid leave available for Gillen without imposing costs on the department beyond requisite administrative oversight.

Clarifies that banked days are narrowly tailored to illness/disability related absences and are not available for unrelated absences.

Notes

The bill designates co-sponsors: Paul McMurtry and Mike Rush.

The text emphasizes that any remaining banked days transfer to the extended illness leave bank if Gillen’s employment ends or if dissolution is requested.