,

Massachusetts State Legislature Considers Emergency Hazard Benefits During Covid-19 Pandemic

Share

State Senator Michael O. Moore of Worcester and State Representative James Arciero have presented an emergency bill known as S2602 (an identical emergency bill is pending in the House as well, known as H4927).  Interested members of the public are invited to give testimony (via written submissions due to Covid-19 social distancing guidelines) today, April 6 2020.

The bill provides that all police, fire personnel, correction officers, dispatchers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, nursing professionals, and all individuals employed and considered as 1st responders, who contract, have symptoms of, or otherwise becomes affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19), that results in a period of hospitalization, quarantine, or require self-quarantined measures as a result of being infected or coming into contact with someone who is infected with this virus, shall have their medical condition or incapacity to work presumed to be work-related.  This means the amount of time the public safety official is incapacitated or unable to perform their  duties as a result of COVID-19 shall be considered on duty time, and that the public safety official shall not be required to use sick time, vacation time, personal time or any other contractual time-off to cover said period of incapacitation or inability to perform regular duty work.  The time of incapacitation or inability to perform their duties shall be considered as “emergency hazard health duty.”

In short, this bill means that first responders and public safety officials will not have to use sick time or vacation time if they have to take time away from work due to COVID-19 and will continue to receive their pay.  To voice your support, call your State Representative and State Senator today!  You can learn more about the law here:

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2602

Related Posts

December 4, 2020

COVID-19

Holidays 2020

The holidays are always a stressful time of year. 2020 has been one hectic year and planning for the holiday season seems to be the last ounce of stress we need right now. Hosting gatherings and parties this year may require a little more work than usual but it is totally possible! There are many […]

October 23, 2020

COVID-19

Self-Care For Parents During the Coronavirus

  By KJC Law Firm  Being a parent is rewarding but sometimes self-care is forgotten in the mist of our busy lives. Taking good care of yourself is not slacking off from your parental duties, it is essential to your well-being. When the kids are home and stress is building, it is more important than […]

October 9, 2020

COVID-19

How to Keep a Routine During COVID-19

COVID-19 is a difficult time for everyone. One way to establish a sense of normalcy and certainty is to establish consistent weekly and daily routines. With school and work being online, the gym closed, and other everyday activities being altered, having a routine will make us feel a little more sane during these crazy times. […]

Let Us Share Our Insight On Your Podcast

We love educating your audience about the ins and outs of personal injury law.

People Share Insights

(617) 720-8447

Free consultation

08:00 - 20:00

Office hours mon - fri

Thank you for telling us
your story!

One of our intake specialists will be in
touch with you within one business day.

Download THE

Five Tips to Survive Your Lawsuit and Help Make It a Winner

Thank You!

One of our intake specialists will contact
you within one business day.

If you’d like to share more information with us about your situation, feel free
to write as much or as little as you like below. (Not required.)