A bill for an act relating to government employee paid leave.

2025-2026 Regular Session

SSB 1040 allows state employees to convert unused sick leave into extra vacation days, promoting health and reducing absenteeism among workers.

Subcommittee recommends passage.

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Summary of SSB 1040: Government Employee Paid Leave

Bill Number: SSB 1040
Title: A bill for an act relating to government employee paid leave
Status: Subcommittee recommends passage
Introduced: January 23, 2025
Classification: Proposed bill
Subject: Administrative services department, Collective Bargaining, executive branch, Public Employees, sick leave, State employees

Purpose and Intent

SSB 1040 aims to amend existing regulations regarding paid leave for state employees, specifically focusing on the accrual of vacation time based on the non-use of sick leave. The bill seeks to incentivize state employees to maintain their health and reduce absenteeism by allowing them to convert unused sick leave into additional vacation days.

Key Provisions

Amendments to Sick Leave and Vacation Accrual

First Four Years of Employment:

State employees (excluding certain faculty members and public safety employees) who accumulate ten days of sick leave and do not use any sick leave during a full month may elect to add up to one-half day of additional vacation to their accrued vacation account.

After Four Years of Employment:

Employees who accumulate thirty days of sick leave and do not use any sick leave during a full month may similarly elect to add up to one-half day of additional vacation to their accrued vacation account.

Conditions:

The additional vacation time replaces the accrual of sick leave for that month.
For part-time employees, the additional vacation will be prorated based on the full-time equivalent.

Implementation:

The Director of the Department of Administrative Services is authorized to adopt necessary rules for the implementation of this program for all state employees, except those of the state board of regents, which may establish its own rules.

New Section on Paid Parental Leave

The bill also introduces a new section regarding paid parental leave, although specific details on this provision were not included in the provided text.

Impact

Who is Affected:

The bill primarily affects state employees, particularly those in the executive branch, excluding certain faculty members and public safety employees.
It also impacts the administrative processes of the Department of Administrative Services and the state board of regents.

Potential Benefits:

Encourages employees to maintain their health and reduce absenteeism.
Provides an additional incentive for employees to manage their sick leave effectively.

Legislative Timeline

January 23, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Workforce Committee.

January 27, 2025: Subcommittee meeting scheduled for January 28, 2025.

January 28, 2025: Subcommittee recommends passage of the bill.

This summary provides an overview of SSB 1040, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and potential impact on state employees and administrative processes.