Bill > SB0282

This bill expands leave of absence provisions for local officeholders, creating a comprehensive framework for when and how they can take time off from their elected or appointed positions. The bill allows local officeholders to take a leave of absence for several specific reasons: caring for a newborn or newly adopted/foster child within 12 months of birth or placement, caring for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition, dealing with the officeholder's own serious health condition that prevents them from performing their duties, being called into active military duty, or qualifying for a military-related family exigency leave. When an officeholder takes such a leave, their office will be temporarily filled through existing vacancy appointment procedures, with the temporary appointee assuming all rights and duties of the office except for health care benefits. The officeholder does not receive compensation during the leave but may continue their health care benefits at their own expense. The bill also establishes detailed notice requirements, specifying that the officeholder must inform the circuit court clerk in their district about the reason and start date of their leave, and must provide another notice when returning to office. Importantly, taking such a leave does not constitute vacating the office, ensuring the officeholder can return to their position at the end of the leave period.

Government Affairs

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/282/details