An Act establishing a sick leave bank for James Caruso, an employee of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kevin Honan and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes a MassDOT sick leave bank to support James Caruso’s illness/disability, funded by voluntary employee donations, with remaining days going to the EILB if dissolved.

Signed by the Governor, Chapter 22 of the Acts of 2025

Summary: H 4230 — Act establishing a sick leave bank for James Caruso (Massachusetts DOT)

Overview

H 4230, introduced April 24, 2025, establishes a dedicated sick leave bank for James Caruso, an employee of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). The bill was enacted as an emergency law and later signed by the Governor as Chapter 22 of the Acts of 2025, effective upon enactment. The act directs MassDOT to create and administer the sick leave bank and permits voluntary contributions from MassDOT employees to support Caruso’s absences due to illness or disability.

What the bill does

Establishes a sick leave bank specifically for James Caruso, an employee of MassDOT.

Allows any MassDOT employee to voluntarily contribute one or more sick, personal, or vacation days to the bank for Caruso’s use.

Provides that if Caruso terminates employment or requests dissolution of the bank, any remaining days in the bank transfer to the department’s extended illness leave bank (EILB).

Limits the use of banked days to illnesses or disabilities that necessitated the bank, as determined by the department; days cannot be used for unrelated absences.

Key provisions and mechanics

Contributions: Voluntary transfers of sick, personal, or vacation days by MassDOT employees to the Caruso sick leave bank.

Use: Banked days may be used only for qualifying illness/disability, as evaluated by MassDOT.

Dissolution/termination: Upon Caruso’s termination or if dissolution is requested, remaining banked days shift to the EILB.

Supersession of laws: The act states, “Notwithstanding any general or special law,” giving it priority over other rules in this context.

Emergency nature: Declared as an emergency law to take effect immediately for public convenience.

Administration and scope

Administration: MassDOT is responsible for establishing and administering the sick leave bank.

Eligibility/eligibility criteria: Only MassDOT employees may contribute; Caruso uses the bank for his illness/disability needs.

Relationship to existing programs: Any remaining funds upon dissolution go to the EILB, an existing extended illness leave mechanism.

Affected parties

Primary beneficiary: James Caruso (MassDOT employee) who would access banked leave for qualifying illnesses/disabilities.

Contributors: MassDOT employees who choose to donate days to Caruso’s bank.

MassDOT and related state human resources structures: Responsible for administration and determination of qualifying uses.

Timeline and status

Introduced: April 24, 2025 (H 4230).

Passed and enacted: August 2025; emergency preamble adopted August 28, 2025.

Signed into law: September 5, 2025 as Chapter 22 of the Acts of 2025.

Notes

Related bill: HD 4581 (replaces). The measure targets a specific employee rather than a general sick leave bank for agency-wide use.