HB 5701 Summary

• Prohibits employers from taking adverse employment actions against employees absent from work during a governor or presidential emergency declaration due to involuntary detention, isolation, or voluntary isolation following medical guidance related to infectious disease.

• Extends protection to employees absent to care for incapacitated family members or minors with infectious disease symptoms, or to care for children under 13 due to school or childcare closures.

• Prohibits employer discrimination or retaliation against employees who oppose violations of the act, file legal actions, or participate as witnesses in related proceedings.

• Allows aggrieved employees to file civil actions in circuit court seeking injunctive relief and damages, with courts required to award minimum damages of $5,000 to prevailing plaintiffs.

• Applies to both public and private employers, with delayed implementation for employees covered by existing collective bargaining agreements until contract expiration or renewal.