SB 268 - This act creates a right to unpaid leave for employees that are affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking. Any person employed by a public or private employer with at least 15 employees is entitled to unpaid leave if the person, or a family or household member, is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking. Such leave shall be limited to 2 weeks of leave per year if the employer employs at least 50 employees and 1 week per year if the employer employs at least 15 but not more than 49 employees.
Employees are required to give 48 hours notice of the intent to take leave and may be required to provide certification to the employer that the leave is necessary. Permissible reasons for taking leave include seeking medical attention, recovering from injury, obtaining victim services, obtaining counseling, participating in safety planning, and seeking legal assistance.
On return from leave, employees shall 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 are required to post and keep posted a notice summarizing the requirements of this act, which shall be prepared by the Director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
This act is substantially similar to SCS/SB 907 (2016) and similar to HB 842 (2017), SB 130 (2015), SB 712 (2014) and SB 367 (2013).
SCOTT SVAGERA