GOV §19991.1: (a) Subject to department rule an appointing power may grant a leave of absence without pay, to any employee under his or her jurisdiction for a period not exceeding one year.

(a) Subject to department rule an appointing power may grant a leave of absence without pay, to any employee under his or her jurisdiction for a period not exceeding one year. An extension to an unpaid leave of absence may be granted by the appointing power upon the prior approval of the department. A leave so granted assures to the employee the right to return under the provisions of Section 19143. (b) If the provisions of this section are in conflict with the provisions of a memorandum of understanding reached pursuant to Section 3517.5, the memorandum of understanding shall be controlling without further legislative action, except that if those provisions of a memorandum of understanding require the expenditure of funds, the provisions shall not become effective unless approved by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act.