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Quincy council approves ordinance adopting state law leave for organ and stem‑cell donors
Summary
The City Council gave a positive committee recommendation to adopt M.G.L. c.149 §33 for leave of absence to serve as organ donors; sponsor Councilor Minton said policy will protect workers volunteering to donate. Committee and council recorded supportive votes.
The City Council moved forward an ordinance to adopt Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 149, Section 33, permitting a leave of absence for employees serving as organ donors, including stem‑cell (bone marrow) donors.
Councilor Minton, who introduced the ordinance, described his personal experience with a stem‑cell donation and urged adoption as a way to protect workers who may need extended leave for medical evaluation, treatment and recovery. The committee approved a motion to recommend the ordinance and the full council recorded a positive committee recommendation by roll call.
What the ordinance does The ordinance adopts state law (M.G.L. c.149 §33) at the municipal level to ensure city employees have access to leave for organ donation. Councilor Minton detailed the medical timeline he experienced for a stem‑cell donation: multi‑week pretests and monitoring, injections for mobilization, several days of donation procedures, and a multi‑week recovery period in his worst‑case example. He noted donors may require 2–3 weeks or more away from work depending on complications and medical orders.
Actions and votes - Motion to approve ordinance adopting M.G.L. c.149 §33 (leave of absence to serve as organ donor): moved by Councilor Minton; committee voice vote passed in committee and later recorded as a positive recommendation in committee and by roll call in the council; outcome: positive recommendation recorded (roll-call recorded nine yes votes in committee reports).
Why it matters Supporters framed the change as an employee‑protection measure that encourages donation by ensuring leave is recognized and protected; Councilor Minton said the protection is an "insurance" for someone who wants to donate. Committee members expressed support and appreciation for the sponsor’s advocacy.
Next steps The committee’s positive recommendation advances the ordinance through the council process for final adoption steps as required by the municipal code.
