Bill > HB4796

This bill expands employment protections for members of the National Guard, ensuring that employers cannot discriminate against or penalize individuals for their military service, even if that service takes them outside of their home state. Specifically, it clarifies that employers must allow employees to take leaves of absence for active service, whether it's state service or federal service under specific U.S. Code titles, and mandates that upon their return, employees are to be reemployed in positions that reflect their original job, or a comparable one if they are not qualified for the original position after reasonable efforts. The bill also outlines that returning service members are entitled to the seniority, rights, and benefits they would have accumulated had they been continuously employed, as well as other benefits generally provided to employees on furlough or leave. It further specifies conditions under which an employee might not be entitled to reemployment, such as a dishonorable discharge, and provides legal recourse for employees who are denied reemployment, including reinstatement and attorney fees. The term "active service" is defined to include service required by law or order, and "active state service" refers to National Guard or defense force support of civil authorities, including law enforcement related to controlled substances, as ordered by a governor.