Chapter 180

2004 -- S 2351

Enacted 06/25/04

A N A C T

RELATING TO VICTIMS ECONOMIC SECURITY AND SAFETY

Introduced By: Senator John F. McBurney

Date Introduced: February 11, 2004

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 12-28 of the General Laws entitled "Victim's Rights" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following section:

12-28-13. Victims economic security and safety. – (a) Every employer in the state,

with fifty (50) or more employees, shall allow an employee who is a victim of a crime to leave

work to attend court proceedings related to the crime.

(b) An employer may not dismiss an employee who is a victim of a crime because the

employee exercises the right to leave work pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.

(c) An employer is not required to compensate an employee who is a victim of a crime

when the employee leaves work pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.

(d) If an employee leaves work pursuant to subsection (a) of this section the employee

may elect to use or an employer may require the employee to use the employee's accrued paid

vacation, personal leave or sick leave.

(e) An employee who is a victim of a crime shall not lose seniority or precedence while

absent from employment pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.

(f) Before an employee may leave work pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the

employee shall provide the employer with a copy of notification of court proceedings provided

pursuant to section 12-28-3.

(g) An employer may limit the leave provided under this section if the employee's leave

creates an undue hardship to the employer's business.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC02006

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