HB1017

House Bill 1017 amends Arkansas law regarding paid leave for state and local government employees who are members of specific emergency and rescue organizations. The bill entitles eligible employees, including those in the United States Civil Air Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and various National Disaster Medical System teams, to fifteen days of paid leave per calendar year for training or emergency service operations. It establishes the conditions for requesting this leave, such as requirements for authorization from specific commanders or adherence to federal disaster alert orders. Additionally, the bill mandates that the employer—whether the state, a city, a county, or a school district—must continue paying its portion of life and disability insurance premiums for the employee during the leave period. The legislation aims to support public employees who volunteer for essential emergency and disaster response efforts by protecting their income and benefits while they serve. The bill updates language in the Arkansas Code to clarify and formalize these leave protections.