(a) For civil service employees employed in positions requiring teaching certification qualifications appointing powers may grant educational leave to attend study sessions at accredited schools, colleges or programs recommended by a trade advisory council for the purpose of receiving further instruction in pedagogy, vocational education, mental health or related fields. Such educational leave shall be granted with pay and credited to the employee by accumulation at the rate of 11/4 days for each month worked. Employees on educational leave shall maintain their merit salary adjustment date and shall receive credit for vacation, sick leave, educational leave or any other benefit which would normally accrue during such work period. The time when educational leave shall be taken shall be determined by the appointing power of the employee. The department shall provide by rule for the regulation, accumulation and transfer of educational leave and shall prescribe the methods by which employees leaving the employment of one state agency and entering the employment of another state agency may receive proper credit for their accumulated educational leave privileges.

(b) If the provisions of this section are in conflict with the provisions of a memorandum of understanding reached pursuant to Section 3517.5, the memorandum of understanding shall be controlling without further legislative action, except that if such provisions of a memorandum of understanding require the expenditure of funds, the provisions shall not become effective unless approved by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act.

(Added by Stats. 1981, Ch. 230, Sec. 55.)