(1) It is the purpose and intent of the Legislative Assembly in enacting this section and ORS § 171.122 and 171.125 that, subject to the conditions set forth in these sections, any member of the Legislative Assembly whose employment is interrupted because of attendance at regular or special sessions of the Legislative Assembly or the performance of official duties as a member of the Legislative Assembly shall be restored to the employment status the member would have enjoyed if the member had continued in employment during any such attendance or performance of duties.

(2) As a part of the public policy to encourage public service, an employer may not discharge or threaten to discharge, intimidate or coerce any employee by reason of the employee’s service or scheduled service as a member or prospective member of the Legislative Assembly.

(3) The member or prospective member may not be subject to discipline or harassment or placed at any employment disadvantage as a consequence of the leave of absence. It is an unlawful employment practice under ORS Chapter 659A for a member or prospective member to be subject to discipline or harassment or placed at any employment disadvantage as a consequence of any leave of absence related to regular or special session attendance or duties. A member or prospective member may file a complaint with the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries under ORS § 659A.820, or a civil action under ORS § 659A.885, alleging violation of this subsection. [1957 c.549 § 1; 1989 c.1066 § 2; 1991 c.454 § 1; 2001 c.621 § 69; 2005 c.199 § 2]