Senate Bill S937A

                                 BILL NUMBER:  S937A

 TITLE OF BILL :

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to prohibiting
employers from discriminating against victims of domestic violence or
stalking


 PURPOSE :

To help protect victims of domestic violence or stalking from
discrimination with regard to hiring and employment practices so they
may have the ability to deal with the unique circumstances of their
lives, achieve financial independence from their abuser and
participate more fully in the economy.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :
Section one amends paragraph (a) of subdivision 1 of section 296 of
the executive law by adding domestic violence victim status to the
list of protected classes who shall not be discriminated against by an
employer or licensing agency in terms of hiring or employment
practices.

Section two amends section 292 of the executive law by adding a new
subdivision 31 which defines the term "domestic violence victim".
              

 JUSTIFICATION :
This bill is intended to protect the economic viability of victims of
domestic violence and to support their efforts to gain independence
from their abusers. Many women stay with their abuser because they
lack alternative financial resources for themselves and their
children.  Escaping an abusive relationship often depends on financial
independence, which means finding and keeping a job. It is not unusual
for a victim of domestic violence to need time away from work to
confer with an attorney or domestic violence counselor, appear in
Court, seek medical attention, arrange for alternative housing or
recuperate from injuries. Often a victim of domestic violence is
embarrassed or fears losing her jab and therefore is reluctant to
inform her employer of the circumstances of her life. It is not
unusual for a victim of domestic violence to be terminated from her
job or demoted because she needs time off or flexible hours as a
protective measure. This legislation will make it unlawful for an
employer or licensing agency to discriminate against victims of
domestic violence in hiring or employment practices, helping to ensure
the safety as well as the economic viability of victims.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :
2008: Passed Senate
2007: Passed Senate
2006: Passed Senate
2005: S.7310 Referred to Investigations and Government Operations

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :
None to the State.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
Immediately.