HB2531 Summary

• Allows employers or contractors of health care workers to report acts of violence against those workers to law enforcement with the worker's consent, and permits workers to self-report independently.

• Defines "act of violence" as intentional or knowing use of force causing bodily injury or threats to cause bodily injury to another person.

• Permits employers or contractors to petition district courts on behalf of harassed health care workers (with consent) for temporary restraining orders and injunctions lasting up to three years, with employee organizations allowed to intervene.

• Imposes penalties for violating harassment injunctions, including mandatory minimum jail sentences of 48 hours for first violation after conviction and 30 days for subsequent violations, though courts may suspend sentences when violence is not involved.

• Provides immunity from civil liability for employers investigating or initiating harassment proceedings in good faith, and for health care workers participating in investigations or providing evidence in court proceedings.