HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1533

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Sponsors: Representatives Mosbrucker, Pettigrew, Corry, Goodman, Maycumber, Dye, Macri, Griffey, Kraft, Van Werven, Chambers, Walsh, Graham, Appleton, Blake, Doglio, Reeves, Stanford, Valdez and Leavitt.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Labor & Workplace Standards: 1/31/19, 2/7/19 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires the Employment Security Department to create a poster regarding domestic violence and requires employers to post the poster in a place with other required employment posters.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Sells, Chair; Chapman, Vice Chair; Mosbrucker, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Gregerson, Hoff and Ormsby.

Background:

In the criminal context, a domestic violence offense is a crime committed by one family or household member against another. In the absence of a criminal case, a person experiencing domestic violence may seek a civil protection order that restrains the respondent from contacting the protected person or visiting certain locations.

The state has several programs related to domestic violence assistance. For example, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) contracts with local governments for services, and contact information for domestic violence organizations is on the DSHS's website. The Administrative Office of the Courts prepares and makes available an informational brochure regarding civil protection orders and related matters.

Summary of Bill:

The Employment Security Department (ESD) must create an employment poster regarding domestic violence. The ESD must make the poster available on its website and in other formats. The poster must include space in which an employer must provide the name or names of community resources regarding domestic violence. The employer must post the poster and keep it posted in a conspicuous place where other required employment posters are posted.

The bill does not create any liability for any person or entity for any acts or omissions.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) One in three women experience domestic violence. Sometimes the workplace is the only place domestic violence victims can go and be away from their perpetrators. Workers can find resources on these posters. It would be helpful to have some guidance about what contact information to put on the poster.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Mosbrucker, prime sponsor; Nick Streuli, Employment Security Department; and Bob Battles, Association of Washington Business.