While the General Assembly is in session, each member or employee of the General Assembly who also is employed by the State or any of its political subdivisions:

            (1)      is entitled automatically to a leave of absence from the other employment; and

            (2)      except for a right to a salary or wages, may not be deprived of or otherwise have impaired any incident of the employment, including tenure, seniority, annual or sick leave, promotional rights, or rights to salary increments.