Primary Department: Human Resources and Talent
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Andrea Coughlin Rowley, Chief People Officer
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official: N/A
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Policy
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request for discussion and possible action to provide up to 24 hours of paid mental health leave for eligible full-time regular employees not currently covered under Texas Government Code, Chapter 614.015 or Harris County Paid Mental Health leave approved by Commissioners Court on November 15, 2022.
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Background and Discussion:
Pursuant to Commissioners Court's directive of June 11, 2026 (Agenda Item 322), HRT coordinated with the Office of County Administration, the County Attorney's Office, OMB, Universal Services, the Auditor's Office, and other relevant departments to develop a countywide Paid Mental Health Leave policy for regular, full-time employees not already covered under the Texas Government Code, Chapter 614.015, or any other paid mental health leave program approved by Commissioners Court.
The Commissioners Court approved option will be codified as an amendment to Section 12 of the HC Personnel Policies and Procedures:
Option 1 - Wellness Leave from available accrued Sick Leave: Eligible employees may use up to 24 hours of accrued Sick Leave per calendar year for mental health, emotional, or psychological well-being. Hours are deducted from existing Sick Leave balances; no new leave bank is created and there is no additional fiscal impact. Ex...
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