AZ HB2539

Expands military employment protections to include United States Armed Forces Reserves in addition to National Guard members already covered under Arizona Revised Statutes section 26-168.

Requires employers to permit members of the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves to take unpaid leave for active duty, camps, maneuvers, formations, or armory drills without affecting vacation rights or seniority.

Guarantees returning military members reinstatement to their previous position or a higher position commensurate with ability and experience based on seniority.

Extends 30-day paid military leave provisions to state officers and employees who are Armed Forces Reserves members, with eligibility for leave only on days the individual was scheduled for work.

Increases penalty for employer violations from a class 3 misdemeanor to a class 1 misdemeanor, with prosecution in superior court by the county attorney.