SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1315
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Labor, Commerce & Tribal Affairs, March 17, 2021
Title: An act relating to creating a task force to identify the role of the workplace in helping curb domestic violence.
Brief Description: Creating a task force to identify the role of the workplace in helping curb domestic violence.
Sponsors: Representatives Mosbrucker, Orwall, Ryu, Simmons, Leavitt, Sells, Wylie, Ortiz-Self, Davis, Valdez, Johnson, J., Ormsby, Rule, Lekanoff, Duerr and Goodman.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/1/21, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Tribal Affairs: 3/11/21, 3/17/21 [DP, w/oRec].
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Creates a task force on domestic violence and workplace resources to identify the role of the workplace in helping to curb domestic violence.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Conway, Vice Chair, Labor; Stanford, Vice Chair, Commerce & Tribal Affairs; King, Ranking Member; Braun, Robinson and Saldaña.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senators Honeyford and Schoesler.
Staff: Jarrett Sacks (786-7448)
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.  The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) contracts with local agencies for services to victims, and contact information for domestic violence organizations is on DSHS's website.  The Administrative Office of the Courts prepares and makes available an informational brochure regarding civil protection orders and related matters.

 

Individuals experiencing domestic violence may take job-protected leave to seek legal or law enforcement help, seek treatment from a health care provider, or participate in actions to increase the individual's safety.  Family members may also take job-protected leave to help a person experiencing domestic violence. 
Summary of Bill:

The Department of Commerce (Commerce) must convene a task force on domestic violence and workplace resources to identify the role of the workplace in helping to curb domestic violence.

 

Commerce must appoint to the task force one member representing each of the following:

 

  • Association of Washington Business;
  • National Federation of Independent Business;
  • Washington Hospitality Association;
  • Washington Retail Association;
  • Washington State Labor Council;
  • Washington Coalition Against Domestic Violence;
  • a federally recognized tribe;
  • a business owner;
  • a survivor of domestic violence; and
  • up to two additional members.

 

The task force must review the role of the workplace in the lives of individuals experiencing domestic violence, the appropriate role of employers and employees in helping reduce the incidence of domestic violence, and whether legislation is needed to address these issues.  A preliminary report is due to the appropriate committees of the Legislature by December 1, 2021, and a final report is due December 1, 2022.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

PRO:  This bill passed last year but was vetoed by the Governor at the start of the pandemic.  Many times, work is the only place individuals experiencing domestic violence are away from the abuser.  The bill is trying to look at ways the workplace may be able to play a role in stopping the cycle of violence.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Gina Mosbrucker, Prime Sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.