NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A8941
SPONSOR: Paulin TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the military law, in relation to paid leave for certain
employees; and to amend chapter 406 of the laws of 2017, amending the
military law relating to authorizing additional paid leave for certain
employees, in relation to the effectiveness thereof
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To provide additional paid healthcare leave to State employees who have
served the military in combat
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
This bill would amend the Military Law to provide five additional work-
ing days of leave per calendar year for healthcare related services to
state employees with combat experience beginning April 1, 2019.
JUSTIFICATION:
Public employees who serve in our Nation's military are afforded paid
leave under New York's Military Law. Specifically, these employees are
granted the greater of 30 calendar days or 22 working days in any calen-
dar year, regardless of the type of military service. While paid leave
afforded these dedicated civil servants is sufficient for many such
individuals, in some instances additional leave is needed.Many members
of our military are required to engage in combat during service, placing
their lives on the line for the safety and protection of the citizens of
our country. The experiences of combat can take their toll on these men
and women, both physically and emotionally. To afford these brave men
and women with a minimal amount of additional leave, for healthcare
related services including counseling, is reasonable and sound public
policy. Taking these small steps to assist our men and women in the
military will allow them to more effectively assimilate back into socie-
ty and positions of public employment.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
The fiscal impact of this bill is minimal.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
April 1, 2019
