Legislation aimed at making it easier for victims of domestic violence to access unemployment benefits has passed the Pennsylvania House with bipartisan support and is now headed to the governor’s desk. The bill was introduced by House Labor and Industry chairmen Reps. Seth Grove (R-Dover) and Jason Dawkins (D-Philadelphia).
The proposed law seeks to address challenges faced by individuals who are forced to leave their jobs due to domestic violence. Under current regulations, these individuals must go through a lengthy process before becoming eligible for unemployment compensation.
“This commonsense, bipartisan legislation addresses an often-overlooked part of domestic violence,” said Rep. Grove. “On several occasions, victims are forced to leave their jobs because their abusers know where they work and show up there, putting them, and their colleagues, in danger. Being pushed out of the workforce through no fault of their own should not require victims to wait an extended period of time to receive unemployment benefits.”
If enacted, the legislation would allow claims from those affected by domestic violence to be expedited when applicants provide documentation supporting their situation. Once this documentation is verified and all other eligibility requirements are met, claimants would be able to receive benefits more quickly. Employers would also receive automatic relief from charges related to these claims.
The Senate amended House Bill 274 before passage, adding language that codifies longstanding case law requiring claimants seeking unemployment compensation to make a good-faith effort in finding suitable employment. For example, claimants who refuse job interviews or offers without good cause would not be eligible for benefits.
“This amendment further enhances the bill and helps to weed out fraud and abuse in our UC system,” Grove said. “I want to thank our Senate colleagues for adding this important amendment to the bill.”
The bill will now await consideration by the governor.
