HB 297 - Safe Work Environment Act

• Creates Part III of Chapter 448, Florida Statutes, establishing "abusive work environment" as an unlawful employment practice when an employer acting with malice subjects an employee to conduct so severe it causes tangible harm.

• Defines abusive conduct to include repeated verbal abuse, derogatory remarks, threatening conduct, sabotage of work performance, or exploitation of known vulnerabilities; a single act normally does not constitute abuse unless it is especially severe and egregious.

• Prohibits retaliation against employees who oppose unlawful employment practices or participate in investigations or proceedings; employers are vicariously liable unless they exercised reasonable care to prevent and correct actionable behavior.

• Caps employer liability for emotional distress damages at $25,000 and prohibits punitive damages when the violation does not include an adverse employment action; remedies include reinstatement, back pay, front pay, medical expenses, and attorney fees.

• Requires private right of action enforcement only with a 1-year statute of limitations; requires metal detector screening of nonemployees in K-12 school instructional areas; effective July 1, 2015.