(a) This section may be cited as The Caregivers Leave Act.
(b) All fulltime employees of the Government of the Virgin Islands, including employees of independent boards, commissions, agencies, autonomous and semi-autonomous agencies, and instrumentalities of the Government of the Virgin Islands who are the primary caregiver of a seriously ill spouse, child, parent, or any individual who is the legal dependent of that employee, or who has been entrusted with or assumed responsibility for the care of an “older adult” as defined in section 452(k) of title 34 Virgin Islands Code or a “dependent adult” as defined in section 452(j) of title 34 Virgin Islands Code, are entitled to four hours administrative leave per month, each calendar year to perform caregiving duties. Full-time employees of beneficiaries under the Industrial Development Program, and employees of employers who receive benefits under Act No. 4740 who are the primary caregiver of a seriously ill spouse, child, parent, or any individual who is the legal dependent of that employee are entitled to two hours leave per month, each calendar year, to perform caregiving duties.
(c) To be eligible for caregiver’s leave, not more than 48 hours after the absence, the caregiver shall submit proof to the caregiver’s employer that the time off was taken in accordance with the criteria set forth in subsection (b). Failure to submit the proof is sufficient cause for the employer to not pay the caregiver for the time not worked.
(d) The director of the Division of Personnel shall promulgate regulations as necessary to carry out the purpose of this section.