Raised Bill No. 5003 seeks to enhance protections for health care providers, educators, and employees in various sectors by introducing several key provisions. The bill mandates that health care facilities and educational boards protect their employees from financial losses due to assaults while performing their duties, ensuring that injured employees continue to receive their full salary during their absence without deductions from accrued leave. It also allows employees to pursue civil action for damages and recover attorney's fees if they prevail. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Public Health to develop a reporting system for incidents of patient violence and alerts for providers regarding patients with violent histories. The bill broadens the definition of "employer" to include protections for educators and their employees, aiming to create a safer working environment.
Moreover, the bill introduces significant amendments to existing labor laws, including the prohibition of employment promissory notes as a condition of employment, while allowing certain agreements to remain valid. It establishes a task force to study and recommend services for individuals with disabilities earning below minimum wage and modifies the procedures for teacher evaluations and employment contracts. The bill also addresses workplace discrimination, particularly concerning pregnancy and menopause, and enhances protections for employees who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or trafficking. It mandates reasonable accommodations for these employees and requires employers to maintain confidentiality regarding their victim status. Overall, Raised Bill No. 5003 aims to strengthen workplace protections, improve working conditions, and promote equality across various sectors in the state.
Statutes affected: Raised Bill: 10-236a, 31-51r, 7-152b, 31-57g, 5-280, 7-477, 10-153a, 7-459b, 29-222, 29-224b, 29-225, 31-3k, 31-40w