By Ian Karbal | Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a bill into law last week that is aimed at helping domestic violence victims collect unemployment if they have to leave their jobs over safety concerns.
Similar proposals had previously been proposed in the legislature with bipartisan support, but never received a final vote in the Senate until earlier this month.
The efforts were intended to help people who are threatened at work or may need to relocate, because of domestic abuse.
The law will work by essentially providing a fast lane for people claiming unemployment due to domestic violence.
Victims voluntarily leaving their jobs will have to provide what the bill calls “reasonable” proof of violence against them, such as a recent protective order, medical records, or a statement from a qualified professional like a counselor or shelter worker.
If a victim has no documentation, they can still apply for fast-tracked unemployment under the law, but will be asked to provide another form of evidence that “reasonably proves domestic violence” within 150 days. But, the state Department of Labor may waive the requirement.
Documentation of domestic violence will remain confidential under the law.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Jason Dawkins (D-Philadelphia) and had a bipartisan group of co-sponsors.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Pennsylvania Capital-Star maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Tim Lambert for questions: info@penncapital-star.com.
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