R477-7-3. Annual Leave

  (1) An eligible employee shall accrue leave based on the following years of benefits(s)-eligible state service:

  (a) less than 5 years -- four hours per pay period;

  (b) at least 5 and less than 10 years -- five hours per pay period;

  (c) at least 10 and less than 20 years --six hours per pay period;

  (d) 20 years or more -- seven hours per pay period.

  (2) The maximum annual leave accrual rate shall be granted to an employee, effective from the day the employee is appointed through the duration of the appointment under the following conditions:

  (a) an employee in schedule AB, and agency deputy directors and division directors appointed to career service exempt positions; or

  (b) an employee who is schedule A, FLSA exempt and who has a direct reporting relationship to an elected official, executive director, deputy director, commissioner or board.

  (3) The accrual rate for an employee rehired to a position which receives leave benefits shall be based on all eligible employment in which the employee accrued leave.

  (4) The first eight hours of annual leave used by an employee in the calendar leave year shall be the employee's personal preference day.

  (5) Agency management shall allow every employee the option to use annual leave each year for at least the amount accrued in the year.

  (6) Unused accrued annual leave time in excess of 320 hours shall be forfeited during year end processing for each calendar year.