An Act establishing a sick leave bank for Sonia Felix, an employee of the Department of Transitional Assistance of the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tony Cabral

Establishes a voluntary, employee-funded sick leave bank solely for Sonia Felix to use for illness or disability, with remaining days reverting to the department if dissolved.

Overview

Bill number: HD 5400

Short title: An Act establishing a sick leave bank for Sonia Felix, an employee of the Department of Transitional Assistance of the Commonwealth

Sponsor/Introduced by: Antonio F. D. Cabral (13th Bristol)

Status: Not specified in the provided document

Filed: December 5, 2025 (House docket shows 12/5/2025; introduced to the 194th General Court)

This is a private act proposed to grant a targeted benefit to a single Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) employee, Sonia Felix, by creating a dedicated sick leave bank funded by voluntary employee contributions.

Purpose and Intent

To establish a sick leave bank specifically for Sonia Felix, an employee of the Department of Transitional Assistance.

Allow DTA employees to voluntarily contribute additional days (sick, personal, or vacation) to be used for Sonia Felix’s illness or disability.

Provide a mechanism to address extended illness or disability for Sonia Felix beyond her own accrued leave.

Key Provisions

Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the DTA shall establish a sick leave bank for Sonia Felix.

Any DTA employee may voluntarily contribute 1 or more days of sick, personal, or vacation leave to the sick leave bank for Sonia Felix’s use.

If Sonia Felix terminates employment with the department or requests to dissolve the sick leave bank, any remaining days in the bank shall be transferred to the department’s paid leave bank.

The use of sick leave bank days is limited to absences related to the illness or disability that necessitated the establishment of the bank, as determined by the department.

The bank is specifically for Sonia Felix; the bill does not authorize use for other employees or purposes.

Affected Parties

Beneficiary: Sonia Felix (DTA employee) who would access days from the sick leave bank as needed for illness or disability.

Contributors: DTA employees who voluntarily contribute days to the sick leave bank.

Department of Transitional Assistance: Responsible for managing the bank, determining eligibility for use, and transferring any remaining bank days to the paid leave bank upon dissolution or termination.

Implementation and Timing

The bill includes a “Notwithstanding” clause to override conflicting laws, enabling the establishment of the bank despite other leave-related statutes.

No explicit appropriation or funding mechanism is described; the bank is funded by voluntary employee contributions.

The text does not specify an exact effective date or timeline beyond passage and potential dissolution rules. The act would take effect upon enactment if enacted.

Potential Impact

Provides financial and personal support to Sonia Felix during illness or disability.

Creates a voluntary, employee-funded pool that could set a precedent for private or individual-targeted sick leave arrangements.

If dissolved, remaining bank days would augment the department’s paid leave balance, not revert to individual contributors.

Bill