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H 4545

An Act relative to PFML for bone marrow and organ donation

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Rich Haggerty

Bill H 4545 expands Massachusetts' Paid Family and Medical Leave to support organ and bone marrow donors, ensuring job security and income during recovery.

Reporting date extended to Thursday, December 31, 2026
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Bill Summary · H 4545

Summary of Bill H 4545: An Act Relative to PFML for Bone Marrow and Organ Donation

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 4545 aims to amend the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program to include provisions specifically for individuals who donate bone marrow or organs. The intent is to provide necessary medical leave for donors, ensuring they can participate in these life-saving procedures without the fear of losing income or job security.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several amendments to Chapter 175M of the General Laws, which governs the PFML program:

  1. Definitions:

    • Introduces definitions for:
      • Blood donor: An individual donating whole blood or blood derivatives.
      • Bone marrow transplant donor: An individual donating bone marrow.
      • Living organ donor: An individual donating all or part of an organ.

  2. Medical Leave Eligibility:

    • Expands medical leave eligibility to include:
      • Living organ donors.
      • Bone marrow transplant donors.
      • Blood donors.
    • Leave will cover all related procedures, medical tests, surgeries, and recovery.

  3. Leave Duration:

    • Specifies maximum leave durations:
      • Up to 30 days for living organ donors.
      • Up to 5 days for bone marrow transplant donors.
      • Up to 4 hours, a maximum of 5 times per benefit year, for blood donors.

  4. Waiting Period:

    • Waives the 7-calendar day waiting period for medical leave taken for organ or bone marrow donation.

  5. Certification Requirements:

    • Establishes certification requirements for medical leave related to donations, including details about the donation date, location, duration, and any medical necessity for intermittent leave.

Impact

This legislation would primarily affect:
- Living organ and bone marrow donors: Providing them with the necessary support to undergo donation procedures without financial strain.
- Healthcare providers: They will need to provide documentation to certify the need for leave.
- Employers: They will need to accommodate the new leave provisions and ensure compliance with the updated PFML regulations.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: March 20, 2025
  • Hearing Rescheduled: November 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
  • Legislative Actions:
    • September 15, 2025: Reported and referred to the committee on Labor and Workforce Development.
    • September 18, 2025: Senate concurred with the bill.
    • November 12, 2025: Hearing scheduled.

This bill represents a significant step toward supporting individuals who contribute to public health through organ and bone marrow donation, ensuring they have the necessary protections under the PFML program.

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

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