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HD 4125

An Act relative to a universal sick leave bank policy

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Donnie Berthiaume and 5 co-sponsors

Establishes a universal Sick Leave Bank across state agencies, requiring exhausted leave before use, evidence of non-job illness, annual revert of unused days (max 25 per contribut

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Bill Summary · HD 4125

Summary of Bill HD 4125: An Act relative to a universal sick leave bank policy

Overview

HD 4125 proposes amendments to Chapter 30 of the General Laws to create a consolidated, universal Sick Leave Bank (SLB) policy for all state agencies. The bill introduces a standardized framework governing how sick leave donated to and drawn from the bank is managed, reviewed, and reconciled. It emphasizes employee-provided evidence of non-job-related illness, exhausts other leave before accessing bank benefits, and includes an end-of-year revert mechanism for unused bank days. The measure notes that it does not alter existing collective bargaining agreements.

  • Bill number: HD 4125
  • Title: An Act relative to a universal sick leave bank policy
  • Filed: January 17, 2025 (as House, No. 2875) per the bill text; status in provided materials is not specified
  • Sponsored by: Representative Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others
  • Session: Massachusetts 194th General Court (2025-2026)

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to establish uniform rules for a universal sick leave bank across all state agencies, creating a centralized framework for receiving, evaluating, and granting sick leave to employees who have donated to the pool. It seeks to ensure that bank benefits are used for legitimate, non-job-related illness or injury and are accessed only after all other paid leave has been exhausted.

Key provisions

  • (a) Establishment of rules: Each state agency must create rules and procedures for employees who have contributed to the Sick Leave Bank. Agencies may allow donations to the bank on an as-needed basis.
  • (b) Eligibility and review requirements:
    • Agencies must review a bank member’s sick leave utilization when applying for bank benefits.
    • An applicant with evidence of prior sick leave abuse in their personnel file or attendance record cannot receive banked sick leave.
    • Applicants must provide adequate evidence of non-job-related illness or injury (applicant only, not a family member).
    • An employee must have used all available accrued and accumulated leave (including vacation and personal leave) before accessing the bank.
  • (c) End-of-year reversion: Any unused sick leave remaining in the Bank on December 31 shall revert to the contributor, up to a maximum total of 25 days.
  • (d) CBA protection: The bill does not alter the terms of existing collective bargaining agreements regarding sick leave bank policies.

Who is affected

  • State employees who contribute to or may draw from the Sick Leave Bank.
  • State agencies responsible for administering the bank and implementing the new rules.
  • Employers and human resources personnel within state government who manage leave policies and documentation.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill specifies a December 31 year-end reversion mechanism for unused bank days.
  • It directs agencies to adopt rules consistent with the new framework, with the practical effect of standardizing SLB administration across all agencies.
  • It preserves existing collective bargaining agreements, indicating changes are to be implemented within the statutory framework rather than CBAs.

Additional observations

  • The “as needed” donation mechanism suggests potential flexibility in funding the SLB, but practical implementation would depend on agency rules.
  • The 25-day cap on reverted bank days per contributor could influence how individuals manage their own sick leave and donations.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law or a brief Q&A on potential impacts for employees and managers.

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

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