(MA) Domestic violence bill ( establishing new employment rights for victims of domestic violence)
Flanagan supports domestic violence bill
Boston —
The Senate on Thursday passed legislation establishing new employment rights for victims of domestic violence that will help victims keep their jobs and increase long-term economic productivity State Sen. Jennifer L. Flanagan (D-Leominster) announced. The vote was 34-0. The bill has wide support from advocacy organizations and the business community.
“Domestic violence has unfortunately increased across the Commonwealth and in my District. This legislation will go a long way in alleviating fear of losing a job because of a circumstance at home. Victims of this senseless act need as many tools as possible to remedy their situation; we have added some stability to an often unstable situation,” stated Senator Flanagan.
The bill requires employers with 50 or more employees to allow up to 15 days of leave, with or without pay, to any employee who is a victim of domestic violence or lives with a family member who is a victim of domestic violence.
Employees can use the leave to obtain medical attention, counseling, housing, protection orders and other legal assistance.
Employers can require employees to provide restraining orders, police reports, medical notes or other official documentation, such as a conviction record or victim advocate statement, to certify that the employee or employee’s family member is a victim of domestic violence.
http://www.wickedlocal.com/clinton/newsnow/x1069932969/Flanagan-supports-domestic-violence-bill