KY HB200

Workers who leave employment, are unable to work, or are separated from employment due to domestic violence and abuse, dating violence and abuse, sexual assault, or stalking would not be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits if they fear violence at or en route to work, wish to relocate to avoid future violence, or believe leaving is necessary for their safety or that of family/coworkers

Documentation requirements for domestic violence-related claims include police or court records, sworn statements, or documentation from shelter workers, attorneys, clergy, or medical professionals, with all evidence kept confidential unless the worker consents to disclosure

Employers are prohibited from being considered a party to domestic violence-related unemployment claims, cannot challenge or appeal benefit determinations for such claims, and cannot be compelled to submit evidence about the worker's relationship or incident without the worker's written consent

Benefits paid to workers under the domestic violence provisions would be charged to the state's pooled unemployment account rather than the individual employer's reserve account, protecting employers from rate increases based on these claims

The Secretary of the Education and Labor Cabinet must establish employee training on domestic violence issues, promulgate regulations for special filing and verification processes, and submit annual reports to the Legislative Research Commission on claims filed under these provisions