SS/SCS/SB 712 - This act creates a right to unpaid leave for employees that are affected by domestic violence. Any person employed by a public employer or private employer is entitled to unpaid leave if the person, or a family or household member, is a victim of domestic violence in order to prepare for or participate in a civil or criminal legal proceeding relating to the violence. Domestic violence is defined as assault, battery, coercion, harassment, sexual assault, unlawful imprisonment, and stalking.
Employees are required to give 48 hours notice of the intent to take such leave, unless impracticable, and may be required to provide certification to the employer that such leave is necessary.
On return from leave, employees are to be restored to the same or equivalent employment position and shall not lose accrued benefits. Employers are required to maintain health coverage for the employee while on leave but the premium may be recovered if the employee does not return.
Employers and public agencies delivering public assistance are barred from discriminating against individuals covered under the act
The Attorney General is given the authority to enforce the provisions of the act.
This act is similar to SB 367 (2013).
CHRIS HOGERTY
SA 1 - REMOVES A SECTION THAT BARS EMPLOYERS FROM DISCRIMINATING AGAINST EMPLOYEES WHO EXERCISE OR ATTEMPT TO EXERCISE THE RIGHT TO TAKE LEAVE.