Massachusetts Leaves of Absence Attorney

Small Necessities Leave

A statute enacted on August 04, 1998, M.G.L. c. 149, s. 52D mandates that certain eligible employees be permitted to take a total of 24 hours of unpaid leave during any 12-month period. These 24 hours are in addition to the 12 weeks already allowed under the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act. The Office of the Attorney General has been entrusted with the enforcement of the Act.

The Act incorporates by reference sections 2611 through 2615 of the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act. ( 29 U.S.C. §§ 2601, et seq.) In order to fully understand the Act, and comply with its provisions, employers and employees must review the parallel federal statute. The purpose of this Advisory is to provide notice of the Attorney General’s interpretation of the state statutory requirements.

The Massachusetts Small Necessities Leave Act allows leaves of absence for doctors’ appointment of family members, and attending Parent Teacher Conferences.