Ryan Nicol
A bill providing unemployment benefits to domestic violence victims who are forced to leave their job is ready for the House floor after it advanced from its final committee Wednesday morning.
The legislation (HB 563), introduced by freshman Rep. Dotie Joseph, cleared the Commerce Committee Wednesday. The measure had already been approved by the Workforce Development and Tourism Subcommittee and the Transportation and Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee.
The bill attempts to provide those benefits in situations where a victim is forced to quit their job and/or relocate to avoid an abusive situation.
Currently, voluntarily leaving a job for that reason does not allow a victim to collect unemployment. That can cause some victims to fear such a move.
“If the only thing stopping you from escaping a dangerous situation is financial security, then this bill alleviates the pressure of choosing between your finances and the safety of you and your children,” Joseph said.
“Thank you to my colleagues in the Legislature for their bipartisan support to help victims of domestic violence. We want victims to have every opportunity to remove themselves from toxic situations, and I am proud that this state is taking on one of the biggest barriers that would allow them to overcome heinous abuse.”
Joseph is seeking to make Florida the 42nd state with this type of legislation.
To qualify for the benefits, a victim must present documentation, such as an injunction or a protective order, which “reasonably proves” domestic violence has occurred. The person must also attempt to remain employed, such as by being transferred to another area. And the benefits expire once the risk no longer exists.
A companion bill (SB 990) filed by Democratic Leader Audrey Gibson of Jacksonville has one committee stop remaining in its path to the Senate floor.
