Employment: unlawful discrimination: victims of violence.

Assembly Member Schiavo's legislation reinstates and transfers enforcement authority for workplace protections covering employees who are victims of violence, while maintaining existing safeguards through 2024. The bill preserves Labor Code provisions that allow employees to take protected time off for court appearances, obtaining restraining orders, and accessing victim services without facing discrimination or retaliation.

The legislation shifts oversight of two key discrimination provisions related to judicial proceedings from the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement to the Civil Rights Department. Under these provisions, employers must permit employees who are crime victims, or their family members, to attend court hearings and other legal proceedings without penalty. The bill maintains confidentiality requirements for any documentation employees provide to verify their victim status or need for leave.

For employers with 25 or more employees, the measure continues existing requirements to provide reasonable workplace accommodations for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking who request them. These accommodations may include schedule modifications, workplace safety measures, and referrals to victim assistance organizations. Employers must engage in an interactive process with employees to determine effective accommodations while considering any urgent safety concerns.

The bill requires employers to notify employees of these rights in writing and establishes procedures for employees to certify their need for leave or accommodations. It preserves employees' ability to use accrued paid time off for these purposes and maintains anti-retaliation protections. The reinstated provisions apply specifically to workplace actions occurring through December 31, 2024, with enforcement authority transferring to the Civil Rights Department thereafter.