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HD 5471

An Act establishing a sick leave bank for Michelle Joseph

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Kushmerek

Sets up a DCF sick-leave bank for Michelle Joseph funded by donations; used only for her illness or disability; remaining hours go to the Extended Illness Leave Bank if dissolved.

Referred to the committee on House Rules
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Bill Summary · HD 5471

Summary of House Bill HD 5471: An Act Establishing a Sick Leave Bank for Michelle Joseph

Overview

  • Bill number: HD 5471
  • Title: An Act establishing a sick leave bank for Michelle Joseph
  • Introduced: December 22, 2025
  • Status: Referred to the Committee on House Rules
  • Classification: Proposed bill (emergency measure)
  • Sponsor: Representative Michael P. Kushmerek (Fitchburg)

Purpose and Intent

The bill creates a targeted program to provide paid sick leave support for a specific Department of Children and Families employee, Michelle Joseph. By establishing a sick leave bank funded by voluntary contributions from other Department of Children and Families (DCF) employees, the measure aims to ensure continued income during Michelle Joseph’s illness or disability.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of a sick leave bank: The Department of Children and Families (DCF) shall establish a sick leave bank specifically for Michelle Joseph, an employee of the department.
  • Voluntary contributions: Any DCF employee may voluntarily contribute one or more days of sick, personal, or vacation leave to the bank for Michelle Joseph’s use.
  • Usage restrictions: Days in the sick leave bank may be used only for absences related to the illness or disability that necessitated the establishment of the bank. The department has the authority to determine eligibility and appropriateness of use.
  • Termination or dissolution: If Michelle Joseph terminates employment or requests dissolution of the sick leave bank, any remaining hours in the bank shall be transferred to the Extended Illness Leave Bank (a broader, presumably department-wide or system-wide reserve).
  • Emergency/temporary measure: The bill includes an emergency provisions clause, indicating it should take effect immediately to preserve public convenience, notwithstanding any contrary general or special laws.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary beneficiary: Michelle Joseph, an employee of the Department of Children and Families.
  • Contributors: All DCF employees who wish to donate their accrued leave to the bank.
  • Departmental administrators: DCF leadership responsible for administering and approving uses of the bank and ensuring compliance with eligibility criteria and transfer rules.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative status: Referred to the House Rules Committee, a standard next step in the process for consideration or further action.
  • Effective date: The bill is drafted as an emergency law, intended to take effect immediately upon enactment to address urgent needs.
  • Duration: The bill establishes a program specifically for Michelle Joseph; the text does not indicate a sunset or expiration, but specifies transfer of any remaining days to the Extended Illness Leave Bank if dissolution occurs.

Practical Impact

  • Provides a mechanism for immediate, organization-wide support for Michelle Joseph during illness or disability.
  • Encourages voluntary leave donations among DCF staff, potentially enhancing morale and solidarity.
  • Creates a defined path for handling remaining bank days in the event of dissolution, integrating with broader leave-bank structures.

If you’d like, I can add a quick comparison to how generalized sick leave banks operate in Massachusetts or summarize potential fiscal considerations for the department.

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

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