JEFFERSON CITY—Now that the 98th General Assembly has officially convened, Missouri lawmakers are wasting no time getting down to business. Senator Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, and Senator Jill Schupp, D-Creve Couer, are sponsoring legislation this session to create unpaid leave for employees affected by domestic violence.
Senate Bill 130 lays out certain provisions regarding businesses that employ individuals who are or have a family or household member who is being assaulted, battered, coerced, harassed, sexually assaulted, unlawfully imprisoned or stalked. Permission to take leave would be granted to seek medical attention, recover from an injury, obtain victim services or counseling, participate in safety planning and pursue legal assistance. If passed, the attorney general would enforce provisions of this act.
“This legislation would reduce domestic violence against women, men and children while helping these victims escape their attackers,” said Sen. Walsh. “While victims of domestic violence simply want to ensure the safety of themselves and their families, we must take steps to work with their employers so they will have a job to return to after taking necessary leave when searching for help.”
The measure is part of the senators’ efforts this year to protect survivors of domestic violence. Senate Bill 130 was introduced and first read yesterday, Jan. 7. It will now go on the calendar for second reading and assignment to committee by the President Pro Tem of the Senate. Both Senators Walsh and Schupp filed similar bills during the 2014 legislative session.
“No victim of domestic violence should ever have to choose between seeking help and keeping his or her job because his or her employer doesn’t allow for this type of leave. A new session means a new opportunity to see this much needed legislation passed, and I urge my colleagues in the Senate and the House to support Senate Bill 130,” Sen. Schupp said.
For more information on Sen. Walsh’s legislative actions, visit her official Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/walsh. |
