Senate Bill 575 Summary

• Prohibits employers from discharging, discriminating against, or retaliating against employees who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking for taking time off to obtain legal relief or ensure safety.

• Requires employees to provide reasonable advance notice of leave when feasible, and allows employers to request certification (police reports, court orders, or medical documentation) within a reasonable time after unscheduled absences.

• Mandates reasonable workplace accommodations for victims including transfers, reassignments, modified schedules, locks, or referrals to victim assistance organizations, unless accommodations create undue hardship on business operations.

• Establishes that employees can file complaints with the Commissioner of Labor within one (1) year of violations and are entitled to reinstatement, back pay, and equitable relief; willful refusal to rehire eligible employees constitutes a misdemeanor.

• Applies enhanced protections to employers with 25+ employees regarding medical attention, shelter services, psychological counseling, and safety planning; effective November 1, 2017.