By Alicia Ward, Kathleen Berney, Mark Macchi, Peter Moser September 30, 2021
On September 29, 2021, Governor Charlie Baker signed House Bill 4127 (Chapter 55 of the Acts of 2021). This emergency law extends the Massachusetts COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave program through April 1, 2022. Effective October 1, 2021, in addition to the reasons employees were previously permitted to use MA COVID-19 sick leave, the emergency law expands the reasons so that employees may also use MA COVID-19 sick leave to: (1) take a family member to obtain a COVID-19 vaccination or (2) care for a family member who is recovering from a COVID-19 vaccination.
According to Massachusetts’ Guidance on the program, after September 30, assuming legislation for the federal tax credits for COVID-19-related leaves for employees is not extended, employers who were previously eligible for those federal tax credits will be able to claim reimbursement for eligible costs associated with the program for leave taken October 1, 2021, and forward, without first seeking a federal tax credit.
Additional information concerning the Massachusetts COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave program can also be found in previous client alerts from June 8, 2021 and July 12, 2021.
For Questions/Compliance Assistance
If you have any questions about the COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave program and its potential impact on your business or organization, please contact:
