An Act To Create Veteran-friendly Workplaces
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 26 MRSA §637 is enacted to read:
§ 637. Leave for appointments for veterans
1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
A. "Employer" means a public or private employer.
B. "Paid leave" has the same meaning as in section 636, subsection 1, paragraph C.
C. "Veteran" means an employee who is a veteran, as defined in section 877, subsection 3.
2. Leave. Pursuant to this subsection, an employer shall allow a veteran to take time away from work to attend a scheduled appointment at a medical facility operated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, as long as the veteran gives the employer notice of the appointment as soon as reasonably possible.
A. If an employer provides paid leave, the employer shall allow a veteran to use available paid leave to attend a scheduled appointment at a medical facility operated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. If a veteran has used all available paid leave, the employer shall grant unpaid leave to the veteran to attend the appointment.
B. If an employer does not provide paid leave, the employer shall grant unpaid leave to a veteran to attend a scheduled appointment at a medical facility operated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
Effective 90 days following adjournment of the 129th Legislature, First Regular Session, unless otherwise indicated.