The proposed bill, titled the "Military Leave for First Responders Act," mandates that certain employers, specifically organized fire departments and law enforcement agencies, provide paid military leave to qualified members who are enlisted in the reserve components of the United States Armed Forces. Each qualified member is entitled to a minimum of 26 days of paid military leave at their regular pay rate, along with any contractually required fringe benefits if they are part of a bargaining unit covered by a collective bargaining agreement. The bill outlines the definitions of key terms such as "employer," "member," and "military leave," and establishes the conditions under which members can request and utilize this leave.
Additionally, the bill stipulates that if a qualified member needs to take military leave, they must provide their employer with military orders and adhere to specific notice requirements based on the length of the leave. It also includes provisions for members who are not qualified but need to attend a preinduction physical examination, ensuring they receive paid leave for that purpose. Importantly, the act clarifies that it does not diminish any existing wages or benefits for members covered by collective bargaining agreements and prohibits employers from requiring members to waive their rights under this act.