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SD 561

An Act relative to EMS leave without loss of pay

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

Expands EMS leave without loss of pay to cover political subdivisions of cities/towns and the Boston Public Health Commission, broadening protection for EMS personnel.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 561

Summary: An Act relative to EMS leave without loss of pay (Senate Docket No. 561)

Overview

  • Bill number: SD 561
  • Title: An Act relative to EMS leave without loss of pay
  • Status: House concurred
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Sponsored by: Senator Michael F. Rush (Norfolk and Suffolk)
  • Legislative context: Filed in the 2025-2026 session; references a similar matter in the 2023-2024 session (S.1324)

Purpose and intent

The bill is designed to expand and clarify which local government entities are covered by Massachusetts laws providing EMS leave without loss of pay. Specifically, it broadens the definitions in key statutory provisions to ensure that EMS leave protections apply to a wider range of municipal and related entities, including certain political subdivisions and public health bodies.

Key provisions

  • Section 1 (amendment to Chapter 41, §111M)

    • Replaces every instance of the phrase “city or town or fire or water district” with: “city or town or political subdivision thereof, including the Boston Public Health Commission, or fire or water district.”
    • Effect: Broadens the employer category that can grant EMS leave without loss of pay to encompass additional political subdivisions beyond traditional cities or towns, explicitly including the Boston Public Health Commission.

  • Section 2 (amendment to Chapter 41, §111N)

    • Replaces every instance of the phrase “city or town” with: “city or town, including political subdivisions thereof, including the Boston Public Health Commission, and fire or water districts.”
    • Effect: Further broadens the scope to explicitly include political subdivisions of cities/towns (such as quasi-municipal entities) and the Boston Public Health Commission, alongside fire and water districts, as entities subject to EMS leave provisions without loss of pay.

Who is affected

  • Employees and personnel who work for:
    • Cities and towns
    • Political subdivisions thereof (as expanded by the bill)
    • Boston Public Health Commission
    • Fire and water districts
  • Specifically, EMS personnel and related workers who may require leave to respond to emergencies or participate in EMS duties, ensuring their leave is non-deductible from pay under the covered provisions.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill was filed on January 14, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 561) and referred to the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.
  • The House subsequently concurred with the Senate version on February 27, 2025, indicating progress toward final enactment, subject to any further steps (e.g., final passage in both chambers and signature by the Governor).
  • This legislation revises definitions rather than creating entirely new leave programs; its primary impact is to expand the list of employers with EMS leave obligations.

Practical impact

  • Increased coverage: EMS leave protections extend to a broader set of local government entities, reducing ambiguity about which employers must provide leave without loss of pay.
  • Administrative updates: affected employers may need to adjust HR/policy documents to align with the broadened definitions, ensuring compliance across all covered political subdivisions and the specified public health entities.
  • Fiscal considerations: broader coverage could have cost implications for municipalities and districts that provide EMS leave, depending on existing funding and leave policies.

Notes

  • The bill builds on, and references, prior related legislation (e.g., S.1324 from the 2023-2024 session), indicating ongoing legislative concern with EMS leave provisions and their scope.

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

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