This bill allows State government employees and certain local government employees to work on Good Friday in exchange for religious holiday leave, which can be used during the same calendar year for another pre-approved religious holiday. The Civil Service Commission is tasked with creating a list of acceptable holidays for this purpose, which will be based on the list of observable religious holidays established by the Commissioner of Education. The bill also includes provisions that require eligible employees to notify their employers by January 1 of the calendar year in which they intend to use the holiday leave; if they fail to do so, the leave will default to Good Friday.

Additionally, the bill specifies that while employees of political subdivisions are eligible to exchange religious holiday leave, employees of schools or school districts are not. The Civil Service Commission is required to develop rules and regulations to implement these provisions, ensuring clarity and compliance with the new policy. The bill aims to provide flexibility for employees who wish to observe their religious practices while maintaining their work commitments.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 11A:6-24.1