(5 ILCS 323/10)
    Sec. 10. Leave of absence for firefighter training.
    (a) A State employee shall be granted leave from his or her State employment for firefighter training as follows:
        (1) on one occasion, for up to 200 hours, to
    
participate in training necessary to obtain Basic Operations Firefighter certification from the State Fire Marshal while attending a State Fire Marshal-approved fire academy; and
        (2) special or advanced training annually, not to
    
exceed 80 hours, after obtaining Basic Operations Firefighter certification from the State Fire Marshal for courses that will lead to additional certification by the State Fire Marshal.
    (b) The maximum leaves of absence under this Act for any calendar year may not exceed 200 hours. During a leave of absence, the employee's seniority and other benefits shall continue to accrue.
    (c) During a leave of absence for basic, special, or advanced training, the State employee shall continue to receive his or her regular compensation as a State employee. If the State employee receives compensation for basic, special, or advanced training, the State employee shall receive his or her regular compensation as a State employee minus the amount of his or her compensation for basic, special, or advanced training.
    (d) A State employee who wishes to obtain a leave of absence under this Act shall request in advance for the leave of absence and may take the leave of absence only after obtaining approval from the State employee's agency. A leave of absence may not be denied to a State employee who requests leave under this Section and who has provided notification of the leave at least 14 calendar days prior to the requested leave date. A State employee who provides less than 14 calendar days' notice of the leave may be denied leave if the State employee's agency demonstrates that the leave would create a health or safety hazard in the workplace. If the leave is denied, written notification must be provided to the employee within 24 hours after the employee's request for leave. Once the leave has been approved, approval for the leave may not be rescinded.
(Source: P.A. 103-220, eff. 1-1-24.)