R477-7-11. Disaster Relief Volunteer Leave

  (1) An employee may be granted leave from work with pay, by the agency head or designee, for an aggregate of 15 working days in any 12-month period to participate in disaster relief services for a non-governmental disaster relief organization. To request this leave an employee shall be a certified disaster relief volunteer and file a written request with the employing agency. The request shall include:

  (a) a copy of a written request for the employee's services from an official of the disaster relief organization;

  (b) the anticipated duration of the absence;

  (c) the type of service the employee is to provide; and

  (d) the nature and location of the disaster where the employee's services will be provided.

  (2) An employee who is absent from or late to work may not be dismissed if the absence or tardiness was a result of the employee acting as an emergency services volunteer as defined in Section 34-54-102.

  (a) Management may request a written statement to verify the employee's status as an emergency services volunteer.

  (b) An emergency services volunteer is not entitled to paid leave except as provided in 477-7-11(1), but may use their own accrued leave or leave without pay.