Paid volunteer leave for state employees fails in committee vote

Representative Clements introduced House Bill 632 to establish a paid volunteer leave policy for eligible state employees who have worked for the state at least one year and who work at least 1,600 hours annually. The sponsor said state employees asked for the legislation to permit workers to volunteer with nonprofits, religious institutions or other community organizations with 14 days' notice and supervisor approval.

Representative McCalmon questioned why there was no significant fiscal note attached to the bill if it would add roughly 15 hours of paid leave. The sponsor replied that salaries are already budgeted and that there would be no additional payroll costs because the policy would not increase headcount or salary lines, framing the proposal as reclassification of time rather than added payroll expense.

Representative Warner asked whether the volunteer leave would be taken from vacation or sick time; the sponsor said it would not. After discussion, the committee voted, and HB 632 failed on a roll call (1 aye, 4 no).