In our continuing series on new and revised California employment laws, here are two revisions that extend protections for victims of crime, domestic abuse and stalking.
SB288 currently prohibits an employer from discharging or discriminating against an employee who takes time off to serve on a jury; an employee who is a victim of a crime for taking time off to appear in court as a witness; or an employee who is a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault to obtain or attempt to obtain prescribed relief. A new provision in the law allows crime victims to take time off from work for court appearances in which their rights are at issue. This law applies to specific crimes only, and affected employees must request leave in compliance with company policy.
SB 400 has been amended to provide stalking victims with the same protections now provided for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including time off to appear at legal proceedings. All employers must provide time off to covered victims for court appearances. Employers with 25 or more employees must provide victims with time off to seek medical/psychological treatment, including safety planning.
Additionally, SB 400 now requires that employers provide reasonable accommodation for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, which may include implementation of safety measures.
Please be sure to update your Leave of Absence and Time Off policies accordingly.