The bill allows a member of the general assembly who is absent
for a long-term illness, parental leave in excess of the permitted maximum period, or another similar purpose, subject to approval by the president of the senate or the speaker of the house of representatives, respective to the member's house, to be exempted from forfeiture of their
compensation, and allows a member of the general assembly to receive compensation for an absence due to parental leave for a maximum of 12 weeks, and an additional 4 weeks for complications due to pregnancy or childbirth. Under current law, the exemption from forfeiture of compensation is only for an approved absence for a long-term illness.
