Legislature passes victims' employment leave

Measure granting 'reasonable' leave to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking now goes to governor

March 8, 2008

OLYMPIA, WA – Employees who are victims of stalking, domestic violence and sexual assault will now have new protections against being fired or demoted thanks to passage of House Bill 2602 this weekend.  The House unanimously passed an amended version of the bill on Saturday.  It now heads to the governor’s desk for signature.

Rep. Lynn Kessler (D – Hoquiam), the bill’s sponsor, was concerned that without these protections, some victims may remain in abusive situations simply because they cannot afford to lose their jobs.  Her bill requires employers to grant “reasonable” leave to employees in order to attend court appointments, make arrangements for emergency housing, and receive mental health and other counseling services.

“You shouldn’t have to choose between your job and your personal safety and health,” Kessler said.  “In states that already allow this kind of leave, there is no evidence that the employees are abusing it.  In fact, in the state of Maine, businesses even joined in an effort to expand the law.”

A Senate amendment to the bill exempts staffing companies that hire part-time or temporary workers, or employees who are hired only for a specific period of time or to work on a specific project.  The amended version was described as “win/win” for both employers and employees.

“Victims need to be able to participate in the criminal justice system,” Kessler said.  “But they also need to be able to put food on the table.  This legislation will help make that possible.”