2-18-627. Paid leave for disaster relief volunteer service. (1) An agency may grant to a state employee up to 15 days in a calendar year of a paid leave of absence for the employee to participate in specialized disaster relief services for the American red cross if:

(a) the employee is a certified American red cross disaster relief volunteer; and

(b) the American red cross has requested the employee's services.

(2) Leave time granted pursuant to this section:

(a) must be paid at the regular rate of compensation, including regular group, retirement, or leave accrual benefits, for the regular work hours during which the employee is absent from the employee's regular duties;

(b) commences upon approval of the employee's employing agency; and

(c) may not be charged against any other leave to which the employee is entitled.

(3) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(a) "Agency" has the meaning provided in 2-18-101.

(b) "Employee" means any person employed by an agency, except an elected official.