Read first time 02/21/2005.   Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development.

     AN ACT Relating to employment rights of peace corps and humanitarian organization volunteers and faith-based missionaries; and adding a new section to chapter 41.06 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 41.06 RCW to read as follows:
     Any exempt or nonexempt full-time permanent employee who leaves employment to serve in the United States peace corps or to participate in a program sponsored by a humanitarian organization or to participate in a faith-based mission, upon return shall be restored to his or her previous position or an equivalent one. In addition, the person shall be considered as having been on furlough or leave of absence during his or her period of service in the peace corps and shall be restored to the position without loss of seniority. The person shall be entitled to participate in insurance, vacations, retirement pay, and other benefits offered by the employer under established rules and practices relating to employees on furlough or leave of absence in effect with the employer at the time the person left for service in the peace corps. The person may not be discharged from the position without cause within one year after restoration.