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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 21, 2024 03:38 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jennifer O'Mara |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Victims of Violence Employment Leave Act |
| For victims of violent crime, the road to recovery can be varied and complex. Oftentimes, multiple days or weeks off work are needed to receive mental or physical health treatments, relocate, or care for a loved one. Unfortunately, one in six victims of violent crime reported losing their jobs or being demoted because they needed to take time off following victimization. That is why I intend to introduce the Victims of Violence Employment Leave Act to ensure that victims of violent crime will not lose their jobs when taking reasonable and necessary actions to get their lives in order following a tragic event. Existing Pennsylvania law recognizes the state’s role in protecting the economic security of crime victims who need to take time off from work, but that only applies in limited circumstances and victims can still be fired if they need to take time. My legislation will fill the gaps in our state’s current approach by authorizing victims of violent crime, their immediate family members, and those who lose a loved one to suicide to take unpaid leave from work to seek medical attention, utilize victim services providers, find housing, or grieve the loss of a loved one without fear of losing their jobs. No employee who has been a victim should have to choose between their physical or emotional wellbeing and the financial consequences of losing their job. Please join me in supporting victims and their family by ensuring they have the time needed to care for themselves. |
Introduced as HB2477
Memo Updated: March 21, 2024 03:41 PM