Bill > LD2093

This bill establishes a new provision for temporary disability benefits for certain state employees, specifically those classified as "confidential employees" who are in positions excluded from the general definition of "state employee" under state law. A confidential employee is defined as someone in the executive branch, including those on probation, who holds a position that is not covered by standard state employee protections related to collective bargaining. The bill outlines that if such an employee experiences a "temporary total disability," meaning they are unable to work in any job they are reasonably suited for due to training and experience, and this disability is caused by sickness or accidental injury, they may receive temporary disability benefits. These benefits will start after their accumulated sick leave is used up or after 30 days of continuous disability, whichever is later, and will continue until they can return to work, they have received a total of 365 days of benefits over their entire career as a confidential employee, or they become eligible for disability retirement. The benefit amount is set at two-thirds of their weekly salary, with any state retirement allowance deducted, and these benefits will not be provided if the disability is already covered by workers' compensation. Importantly, confidential employees receiving these temporary disability benefits will continue to receive their regular employment benefits, such as health insurance, as if they were still working. This new provision replaces an existing, older law.