Bill > H2564

This bill creates a legal presumption that if certain public safety personnel and first responders (including police, firefighters, correction officers, dispatchers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and nursing professionals) contract COVID-19 or become unable to work due to COVID-19 exposure, their medical condition and work absence will be automatically considered work-related. Under this legislation, these workers will not be required to use their personal sick time, vacation time, or other contractual time-off during periods of hospitalization, quarantine, or self-quarantine related to COVID-19. Instead, their time away from work will be classified as "emergency hazard health duty" and will be covered under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, Section 111F, which typically provides protections for public safety workers injured or becoming ill in the line of duty. This bill aims to provide additional job protection and financial security for frontline workers who were at high risk of COVID-19 exposure during the pandemic, recognizing the inherent risks they faced while performing essential services.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2564