This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.32, by adding a new subdivision that establishes specific rights for officers or employees who take a leave of absence to serve in state legislative office. The new language ensures that these individuals retain their accrued and future seniority status, efficiency ratings, vacation, insurance benefits, sick leave, and other benefits as if they had not taken the leave. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the period of mandatory legislative leave will not be subtracted when calculating the officer's or employee's length of service, and it clarifies that their pension and retirement benefit rights will align with those of local government employees.

The effective date for this new provision is set for July 1, 2027, and it will apply to collective bargaining agreements that take effect on or after that date. This alignment aims to provide equitable treatment for legislative employees in terms of their employment benefits during periods of legislative service.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 43A.32