(STATEHOUSE) April 2, 2009 - A bill to increase the number of additional family members who may be granted military leave from their employer, sponsored by Rep. Woody Burton (R-Greenwood), passed unanimously out of the House of Representatives today. Senate Bill 356 includes the son, daughter or grandparent of a person who is ordered to active duty. The House passed an amendment to also add grandparents, foster or step parents, adoptive siblings, foster siblings and step-siblings to the list of people eligible for leave. "The people that work so hard to serve our great country should be able to see their loved ones when they return home," said Rep. Burton. "This bill shows the military men and women, who make so many personal and financial sacrifices, that we will support them and their families in any way we can." In order to be eligible, the employee must have been employed for the previous 12 months and have worked at least 1,500 hours before the requested leave period. The bill would also allow an employee to take a leave of absence before, during or after their relative is called to active duty. The leave of absence is allowed for a maximum of 10 days each year. "We need to remember that family members of servicemen and -women also make great sacrifices while their family member is called to active duty. The bill will allow them to spend time with their loved ones without fear of losing their job," said Rep. Burton. Since the House passed an amendment to the original Senate bill, the Senate has the option to adopt the amendment or continue discussion in a conference committee. If the amendment is adopted, the bill will go to Gov. Mitch Daniels for his signature. Contact Rep. Burton by phone at 1-800-382-9841, e-mail to h58@iga.in.gov or write to 200 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
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