The bill introduces the "Organ-Donation Leave Act" as a new chapter in Title 36 of the General Laws, which pertains to public officers and employees. This act provides for paid leave for state employees who donate an organ. To be eligible, an employee must have completed an initial probationary period, worked at least 1,250 hours in the previous 12 months, and can only take this leave once every 12 months. The duration of the leave is 60 calendar days for a kidney or liver segment donation and 30 calendar days for a bone marrow donation, with the possibility of ending earlier under certain conditions, such as medical recovery or termination of employment.
The bill specifies that employees should give as much notice as possible, ideally at least 30 days before the start of the leave. During the leave, full-time employees receive their base pay, while part-time employees receive pay based on the average hours worked in the last six pay periods. Paid holidays during the leave do not extend its duration. Employees do not need to exhaust other sick and annual leave before taking organ-donation leave and will continue to accrue these leaves during their absence. The leave also counts towards step increases and is coordinated with other benefits like FMLA entitlements. The act would take effect upon passage.