New Leave Law for Victims of Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault

Substitute House Bill 2602 became effective April 1, 2008.  The new leave law in Washington State permits victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking to take reasonable leave, including intermittent leave, for counseling, medical care, and for legal and law enforcement matters.  The employee is permitted to choose vacation, sick leave, personal time off, or leave without pay, at the option of the employee.  In addition, a victim’s family member (defined as child, spouse, parent, parent in law, grandparent, and person the victim is dating )of a victim of domestic violence or assault is entitled to take time off of work to assist a victim in obtaining help or treatment.  An employer is permitted to request verification, such as a police report, court order, or other documentation.  More information about the new law can be found here and here.