Bill > S1222

This bill proposes to amend the Massachusetts General Laws to provide emergency paid sick time to employees during a declared state of emergency or disaster. The key provisions of the bill include: 1. Requiring employers to provide at least 80 hours of emergency paid sick time to full-time employees and a prorated amount for part-time employees, which can be used for reasons related to a public health emergency, such as self-isolation, seeking medical care, or caring for a family member. 2. Allowing unused emergency paid sick time to carry over to the next calendar year until the state of emergency or disaster is terminated. 3. Requiring the Commonwealth to reimburse employers for the emergency paid sick time provided, with some exceptions for federal payroll tax credits. 4. Prohibiting employers from interfering with, restraining, or denying the use of emergency paid sick time, or taking adverse actions against employees for exercising their rights under this law. 5. Directing the Attorney General to enforce the law and prescribe regulations, and requiring employers to post notices informing employees of their rights. The bill aims to provide job-protected paid time off for employees during public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, to help prevent the spread of communicable illnesses.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S1222