ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-sixth Legislature

First Regular Session

HB 2545: legislators; unpaid leave of absence

Sponsor: Representative McGarr, LD 17

Committee on Government

Overview

Stipulates restrictions on an employer of a member of the Legislature during session.

History

All legislators are elected for two-year terms and currently, both Senators and Representatives may serve only four consecutive terms in their offices (Art. IV, part 2, sec. 21).

Candidates are nominated by the voters who are registered with their political party and by those voters who designate that party’s ballot at primary elections. Once elected, a legislator has the right to remain in office during good behavior (Arizona Leg. Manual).

Provisions

1. Requires an employer to allow an employee to take an unpaid leave of absence when the employee:

a) Serves as an elected member in the Senate or the House of Representatives during a Legislative session; or

b) Is required to perform administrative duties as required by the Legislature as an elected member. (Sec 1)

2. Prohibits an employer from terminating an employee on the sole basis that the employee submits documentation to the Secretary of State indicating an intent to run for the Senate or the House of Representatives. (Sec. 1)

3. Stipulates if the employee meets the requirements for an unpaid leave of absence the employer may not:

a) Require the employee to use annual, vacation or sick leave;

b) Penalize the employee;

c) Remove the employee's seniority;

d) Demote the employee; or

e) Terminate the employee. (Sec. 1)

4. Excludes the following employers:

a) A nonprofit organization;

b) A lobbying firm that employs one or more registered lobbyists;

c) This state, any political subdivision of this state or a federal government entity. (Sec. 1)

5. States this act may be cited as the Blue Collar Legislator Act. (Sec. 2)

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