Labor & Employment (Paid Leave)

HB 1606 amends North Dakota's state employee sick leave policy to set a minimum of ten hours (one working day) and a maximum of one and one-half working days per month for sick leave, based on an employee's tenure. It also requires that employees with at least ten years of continuous state service receive a lump sum payment equal to one-tenth of their final salary for unused sick leave. The bill mandates that state agencies develop and submit their own sick leave policies to the Office of Management and Budget for approval, ensuring consistency across departments.

HB 1599 creates a formal state leave sharing program for permanent North Dakota state employees. It allows employees to donate accrued annual or sick leave to colleagues facing pregnancy or severe, extreme, or life-threatening medical conditions (for themselves or immediate family), requiring medical certification. The program limits donated leave to four months per year, excludes temporary or contracted staff, and mandates the Office of Management and Budget to track usage and adopt implementing rules. This policy directly affects permanent state employees needing extended leave due to qualifying health circumstances.