An Act relative to bereavement leave

This bill establishes a new right for employees in Massachusetts to take up to 10 business days of bereavement leave within a 12-month period following the death of a family member. The law defines family members to include children, parents, guardians, siblings, spouses, and partners living with the employee, allowing time for funeral arrangements, attending services, grieving, or handling legal matters. Employers have the discretion to decide whether this leave is paid or unpaid, and they may require proof of death, such as a medical record or police report. The policy applies only to employers with 10 or more employees in the state and does not affect existing contracts or laws that offer more generous leave benefits.