This template is an emergency responder leave policy that governs leave for employees in California who are volunteer firefighters, reserve peace officers, or emergency rescue personnel. This template includes practical guidance, drafting notes, and optional clauses. This template is intended for private employers. Employers may include this policy in an employee handbook or distribute it as a standalone policy. Its language complies with California and federal law. California law requires private employers to provide emergency responder leave, but does not require that such leave time be paid. Generally, no federal laws explicitly require employers to provide employees time off from work to volunteer as emergency responders, except where the employee may otherwise be entitled to leave under another law. For a non-jurisdictional employee handbook, see Employee Handbook. For an employee handbook supplement for California employers containing customized workplace policies based on ...