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H 5528

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 dedicated to Edward Gillen, funded by voluntary donations and used only for his illness or disability.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
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Bill Summary · H 5528

Overview

An Act establishing a sick leave bank for Edward Gillen is a Massachusetts House and Senate joint petition proposing to create a dedicated sick leave bank for a specific employee and allow voluntary contributions from Department of Transportation (DOT) workers.

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill aims to establish a sick leave bank for Edward Gillen, an employee of the DOT Highway Division.
  • The bank is designed to provide sick leave to Gillen in instances of illness or disability, potentially supplementing his own accrued leave.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment: 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 for Gillen’s use.
  • Use of Banked Leave: Days in the sick leave bank may be used by Gillen to cover absences related to the illness or disability that necessitated the bank’s creation. Absences for other reasons may not be charged to the bank, as determined by the Department.
  • Termination or Dissolution: If Gillen terminates employment or requests dissolution of the sick leave bank, any remaining time in the bank shall be transferred to the extended illness leave bank (a separate, presumably broader pool).

Affected Parties

  • Primary beneficiary: Edward Gillen, an employee in the DOT Highway Division.
  • Potential contributors: Other DOT employees who choose to donate sick, personal, or vacation days to the bank.
  • Oversight: The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (specifically the Highway Division) administers the bank and makes determinations regarding eligibility and usage.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill references standard legislative process with sponsorship by Rep. Paul McMurtry and Sen. Michael Rush and indicates joint rule consideration.
  • Effective date: The bill notes immediate effect for establishment by the DOT once enacted; it does not specify a separate enactment or phased timeline beyond its legal adoption.
  • Transfer on dissolution: Any remaining donated days are redirected to the extended illness leave bank upon dissolution or Gillen’s departure.

Potential Impacts

  • Provides a targeted mechanism to support one employee during prolonged illness or disability.
  • Establishes a precedent for employee-specific sick leave banks, potentially raising questions about scope, fairness, and future use for other employees.
  • Encourages voluntary leave donations among DOT staff, which could foster a supportive workplace culture while expanding leave resources beyond individual accruals.

Notes

  • The bill is narrowly tailored to Edward Gillen and includes transfer provisions to an existing extended illness leave bank upon dissolution.
  • Final passage would require approval by both chambers and signing by the Governor.

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

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