AK SB278

Allows teachers at schools with 20+ employees to take up to 10 unpaid work days per calendar year when their spouse or domestic partner is on leave from military deployment in a combat zone.

Extends similar leave rights to private sector employees at employers with 20+ employees and to state and local government employees working 20+ hours per week.

Requires employees to provide at least 14 days advance notice of leave requests, or as much notice as practicable in medical emergencies, and allows employers to request verification of military deployment status.

Prohibits employers from denying qualifying leave requests or retaliating against employees for requesting or taking leave; allows employees to sue for lost wages and damages from violations.

Ensures leave does not break service for retirement purposes and continues employees in pay status for benefits eligibility, though time on unpaid leave does not accrue toward retirement benefits.