SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the trial court of the commonwealth shall allow employees of the Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse and Hampden Juvenile Court, with a diagnosed respiratory illness, including but not limited to chronic sinusitis and respiratory infections, to be reimbursed for any earned sick time used as a result of the diagnosed respiratory illness. Diagnosis of respiratory illness shall be confirmed by a licensed health care provider. Reimbursement of earned sick time under this section shall not occur for absences unrelated to a diagnosed respiratory illness.

SECTION 2. There shall be a prohibition of expenditure of funds of the commonwealth for operation or repair of courthouses and associated facilities until the Executive Office of the Trial Court completes a study determining the construction cost of a new Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse and Hampden Juvenile Court facilities.

SECTION 3. No employee shall be disciplined, suspended, terminated, retaliated against or otherwise affected because of the employee’s participation in reimbursement for any sick time earned as a result of a diagnosed respiratory illness.

SECTION 4. Nothing in this act shall affect any restrictions or limitations on sick time pursuant to section 58 of chapter 30 of General Laws or chapter 152 of General Laws.