It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Title 28 of the General Laws entitled "Labor and Labor Relations" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:
{ADD CHAPTER 6.8 ADD}
{ADD CONFIDENTIALITY OF EMPLOYER/EMPLOYEE ADD} {ADD ASSISTANCE PLANS ADD}
{ADD 28-6.8-1. Release of employee names prohibited. -- ADD} {ADD No employer shall release the name, address or otherwise breach the confidentiality of information obtained through an employee's participation in an employer assistance program, except where the information is related to a crime which must otherwise be reported by law. ADD}
{ADD 28-6.8-2. Penalties for violations. -- ADD} {ADD In any civil action alleging a violation of this chapter, the court may:
(1) Award to a prevailing plaintiff punitive damages in addition to any award of actual damages, and reasonable attorneys' fees and costs; and
(2) Afford injunctive relief against any employer who commits or proposes to commit a violation of this chapter. ADD}
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.