SPRINGFIELD – To protect university and community college employees, State Senator Doris Turner passed a measure that would ensure employees receive their pay and benefits if a campus is closed due to a winter weather emergency.

“Some employees are left without pay when we get hit with a winter storm,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This initiative protects the workers who play an important role in the normal, day-to-day operations for universities and community colleges.”

Senate Bill 331 would require the Board of Trustees of each public university and community college to pay employees their daily, regular rate of pay and benefits if a campus is closed due to a city, county or state declaration of a winter weather emergency. The measure would not apply if the day is rescheduled and the employee would be paid their daily, regular rate of pay and benefits for the rescheduled day when services are rendered.

Turner’s legislation would include employees who provide educational support services to the campus, such as custodial, building maintenance, transportation and food service employees, and classroom assistants or administrative staff.

“We have to protect our workers,” said Turner. “No one deserves to go unpaid without notice.”

Senate Bill 331 passed the Senate and heads to the House for further consideration.