As used in this subchapter, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Agency" has the meaning provided in 2-18-101, MCA.

(2) "Certified red cross disaster volunteer" means a member of the red cross disaster services human resources system (DSHRS) who has completed the American red cross specialized training program for disaster volunteers and is certified by the American red cross as a disaster service technician, specialist, coordinator or officer.

(3) "Employee" means, as provided in 2-18-627, MCA, "any person employed by an agency except an elected official."

(4) "Specialized disaster relief" means one or more of the following American red cross service categories in which a certified disaster service volunteer is trained:

(a) shelter management;

(b) mass feeding;

(c) family services;

(d) health services;

(e) public assistance inquiries;

(f) damage assessment;

(g) a support function for the above listed services; or

(h) any other service performed for the American red cross for which training is required.

(5) A state employee who is a certified American red cross disaster volunteer may apply for up to 15 days or 120 hours of paid time off annually, which is not charged to any accrued leave or compensatory time, if called upon by the red cross to provide specialized disaster relief services.  This leave does not carry over from year to year.

(6) Leave granted shall be at the discretion of the agency head through the employee's supervisor.

(7) The employee must include verification of the request from the red cross when applying for this leave.

(8) An employee granted leave shall be paid at the regular rate of pay for those regular hours during which the employee is absent from work, without loss of seniority, pay, accrued leave or compensatory time.  No overtime shall be paid, regardless of hours worked. No expenses outside compensation for hours worked shall be paid.

(9) This leave shall commence upon approval by the employee's employing agency.

(10) Within 60 days of any request, the American red cross shall provide documentation of participation by the employee in disaster relief services for the period of absence.

(11) Training as a certified red cross disaster worker is provided by the red cross and is not covered under this leave policy.