North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1608

Introduced

1/20/25

Refer

1/20/25

Report DNP

2/5/25

Caption

Employee leave for rest and worship; and to provide a penalty.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1608 would amend the existing labor laws in North Dakota to include protections for employees seeking leave for religious observance. This would likely create a more accommodating working environment for individuals whose religious practices necessitate time away from work. The bill would entail the establishment of a system whereby the labor commissioner is responsible for investigating claims of violations and imposing penalties on employers found to be non-compliant. Specifically, a fine of $500 could be levied against employers who deny leave that falls under this new provision.

Summary

House Bill 1608 establishes new regulations regarding employee leave specifically for rest and worship. The bill prohibits employers from denying employees the right to take leave on Sundays or religious holidays they observe. This legislation aims to promote workplace rights by ensuring that employees can practice their religious obligations without fear of retribution from their employers. By mandating that leave requests cannot be limited to less than 24 hours, the bill also emphasizes the importance of adequate rest for employees.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 1608 may arise as employers express concerns about the potential impacts on operational effectiveness and scheduling. Critics might argue that this law could create additional burdens on businesses, particularly in industries with tight staffing requirements. Supporters, however, would likely assert that the right to religious observance is a fundamental aspect of workplace respect and that the law serves public interest by upholding these rights.

Additional_notes

The bill includes a provision that protects employers from penalties in cases where an employee's leave request is denied due to emergencies. This attempt to balance employee rights with employer needs may alleviate some concerns from the business community while ensuring that employees still have guaranteed time off for important religious practices.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND HB1527

A BILL for an Act to create and enact chapter 34-16 of the North Dakota Century Code, related to illegal aliens and private employment; and to provide a penalty.

ND HB1460

A paid family medical leave program and an income tax credit for contributions paid into the paid family medical leave fund on behalf of eligible employees; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1052

Preventive treatment, requests for reconsideration of claim decisions issued by the organization, providing employer account information, calculation of an employer's premium and creating a presumption of accuracy, an employer conducting business with a known uninsured employer, requests for reconsideration of employer decisions issued by the organization, and privacy of records; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide for application.

ND SB2090

Call reports; to provide a penalty; and to provide for application.

ND HB1500

Identifying the ultimate and true source of funds; and to provide a penalty.

ND SB2239

Public employees retirement system main system plan employer and employee contribution rates and participation in the public employees retirement system defined contribution plan; to provide an appropriation; to provide for application; and to provide an effective date.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.