A N A C T
RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT SECURITY -- BENEFITS
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 28-44 of the General Laws entitled "Employment Security - Benefits" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
28-44-17.1. Voluntary leaving as protection from domestic abuse. -- (a) An individual shall be eligible for waiting period credit or benefits if that individual voluntarily leaves work due to circumstances directly resulting from domestic abuse, as defined in chapter 8.1 of title 8, and the individual: (1) reasonably fears future domestic abuse at or on route to or from the individual's place of employment; (2) wishes to relocate to another geographic area in order to avoid future domestic abuse against the individual or the individual's family; or (3) reasonably believes that leaving work is necessary for the future safety of the individual or the individual's family.
(b) When determining whether an individual has experienced domestic abuse for the purpose of employment benefits, the Department of Employment and Training shall require that the individual provide documentation of domestic abuse, including, but not limited to, police or court records, or other documentation of domestic abuse from a shelter worker, attorney, member of the clergy, or medical or other professional from whom the individual has sought assistance.
(c) All documentation of evidence shall be kept confidential unless consent for disclosure is given by the individual.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.