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HD 4987

An Act establishing a sick leave bank for Paul Starvaski

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim O'Day

Establishes a DOC sick leave bank exclusively for Paul Starvaski, funded by voluntary DOC employee contributions, for approved illness-related absences.

Senate concurred
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Bill Summary · HD 4987

Summary of House Bill HD 4987: An Act establishing a sick leave bank for Paul Starvaski

Overview

HD 4987 is a proposed Massachusetts act sponsors by Rep. James J. O’Day. The bill establishes a dedicated sick leave bank for Paul Starvaski, an employee of the Department of Correction (DOC). The measure is classified as an emergency law intended to take effect immediately, with the Department authorized to create and administer the bank.

  • Bill number: House Docket No. 4987
  • Title: An Act establishing a sick leave bank for Paul Starvaski
  • Sponsor: Rep. James J. O’Day (14th Worcester)
  • Introduced: July 31, 2025 (referred August 11, 2025)
  • Status: Senate concurred (as of August 18, 2025)
  • Classification: Proposed bill with an emergency operation clause

Purpose and intent

  • Create a sick leave bank specifically for Paul Starvaski, an employee of the Department of Correction.
  • Allow DOC employees to voluntarily contribute sick, personal, or vacation days to the bank to be used by Starvaski for approved absences related to illness or disability.
  • Ensure the bank operates swiftly by declaring the act an emergency measure to preserve public convenience.

Key provisions

  • Establishment: The DOC shall establish a sick leave bank for Paul Starvaski.
  • Voluntary contributions: Any DOC employee may contribute one or more days (sick, personal, or vacation) to the sick leave bank for Starvaski’s use.
  • Usage restrictions: Days from the bank may be used only for absences related to the illness or disability that prompted the bank’s creation, as determined by the Department.
  • Dissolution and transfer: If Starvaski terminates employment or requests dissolution of the bank, any remaining banked days are transferred to the Department’s extended illness leave bank.
  • Recipient scope: The bank is dedicated solely to Starvaski; it does not authorize general use by other employees for their own illnesses.

Administration, eligibility, and funding

  • Administration: Managed by the Department of Correction; details on procedures or approval processes are not specified in the bill text beyond the Department’s role.
  • Eligibility: Participation is voluntary for DOC employees who wish to contribute days to Starvaski’s bank.
  • Funding source: Voluntary contributions from DOC staff; no external or mandated funding is specified in the bill.

Use and restrictions

  • Purpose-limited use: Banked days are restricted to illnesses or disabilities that necessitated the establishment of the bank.
  • Departmental determination: The Department determines eligibility and applicability of bank days to the illness/disability context.

Termination, dissolution, and transfer

  • If the recipient leaves DOC or requests dissolution, any remaining days in the sick leave bank transfer to the DOC’s extended illness leave bank.

Effective date and emergency status

  • The bill declares itself an emergency law, intended to take effect immediately upon enactment to promptly establish the sick leave bank.

Legislative history and actions

  • Referred to House Rules: August 11, 2025
  • Reported/referred to Joint Rules, with rules suspended and referred to Public Service: August 14, 2025
  • Senate concurred: August 18, 2025

Potential impact and considerations

  • Targeted benefit: Creates a one-off, employee-contributed leave pool for a single named employee, which may raise questions about selectivity and equity compared to generic sick leave policies.
  • Administrative burden: Requires DOC to administer a new sick leave bank and determine eligibility for withdrawal aligned with an illness or disability.
  • Fiscal and staffing implications: Voluntary contributions could impact staff leave balances; absorption into the extended illness leave bank upon dissolution may affect available leave inventory.
  • Transparency and oversight: The bill outlines limited public-facing detail on governance; future implementing regulations would clarify donation limits, withdrawal procedures, and reporting.

This summary highlights the bill’s purpose, core provisions, who is affected, and the procedural steps and timelines associated with HD 4987.

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

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