Bill > H2024

This bill aims to clarify and further regulate the earned sick time statute in Massachusetts. Key provisions include: 1. Defining "child" as a person under the age of 19 and "straight time" as the hourly rate for an employee's base work week, excluding weekend or overtime pay. 2. Redefining "earned paid sick time" to be compensated at the straight time hourly rate, and excluding certain employees (e.g., commission-based, seasonal) from an employer's total employee count. 3. Modifying the accrual and usage of earned sick time, such as in increments of 4 or 8 hours, and requiring timely certification from employees. 4. Allowing employers to implement disciplinary policies for intentional or habitual violations of reporting procedures and providing attendance incentives. 5. Exempting earned sick time from treble damages and limiting employer penalties for isolated or unintentional payroll errors. 6. Mandating outreach and reporting efforts by state agencies to communicate the law and track its costs and enforcement. The overall aim is to clarify and refine the existing earned sick time statute to provide more flexibility for employers while preserving employee protections.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H2024