COUNTY COMMISSIONER CHERYL MUSGRAVE PROPOSES PARENTAL LEAVE POLICY

Editor Footnote: Attached below is a copy of a proposed ordnance that amends the current Vanderburgh County ordinance.  This legislation proposes that a new code establishing a parental leave policy for Vanderburgh County.  County Commissioner Cheryl  Musgrave is  sponsor of amending the current ordinance. Please take time and read this proposed ordinance that will established a parental leave policy for Vanderburgh County.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2.90 OF THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY

CODE ESTABLISHING A PARENTAL LEAVE POLICY

WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, as the executive and legislative body of Vanderburgh County, have the power to adopt Ordinances relating to the administration of Vanderburgh County government; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County seek to modify the County Employee Handbook to include a parental leave policy providing for up to four (4) weeks of paid leave for parents of a newborn or adopted child; and

WHEREAS, Vanderburgh County is committed to ensuring that its employees are provided opportunities to succeed both in the workplace and with their families and further seek to ensure that pursuing a career and caring for one’s family is complementary and not contradictory; and

WHEREAS, it is an objective of Vanderburgh County, as an employer, to facilitate opportunities to enrich both the workplace and families.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County, Indiana as follows:

SECTION 1. Amendment to Chapter 2.90 of the Vanderburgh County Code by the Addition of Section 2.90.340

Section 2.90.340 of the Vanderburgh County Code is hereby created to read as follows:

2.90.340 – Parental Leave

A. A full time County Employee who has been employed by Vanderburgh County for six (6) consecutive months may request and receive up to four (4) weeks of paid leave, upon one of the following events:

1. the birth of the employee’s child;
2. the birth of a child to the employee’s spouse; or
3. the placement of a child for adoption with the employee.

B. If one of the requirements set forth in Section 2.90.340 A is met, then such request for parental leave shall be granted.

C. Parental leave shall run concurrently with the Family and Medical Leave Act for those County employees who are eligible for such leave.

D. Any parental leave not taken:
1. within six (6) months after the birth of a child or the placement of a child for

adoption as set forth in Section 2.90.340A; or

2. prior to the County employee’s separation from employment is forfeited at the earlier of one of those two (2) events.

SECTION 2. Effective Date.

This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by the Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County and following publication as provided in I.C. 5-3-1.

First passed by the Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County this ____ day of ___________________________, 2018.

Final passage by the Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County this ____ day of ___________________________, 2018.