Bill > H1919

This bill amends the General Laws of Massachusetts to provide employment protections for contract workers who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other abusive behavior. The key provisions include: 1) Allowing contract workers up to 15 days of leave from work in a 12-month period to seek medical attention, counseling, legal assistance, or take other actions related to the abusive behavior. Employers have discretion to determine whether this leave is paid or unpaid. 2) Prohibiting employers from taking negative action against contract workers for unauthorized absences related to the abusive behavior, as long as the worker provides documentation within 30 days. 3) Requiring employers to keep information about a contract worker's leave confidential, with limited exceptions. 4) Prohibiting employers from interfering with or discriminating against contract workers for exercising their rights under this law. 5) Granting the Attorney General authority to enforce the law and seek injunctive or equitable relief. The bill aims to ensure that all employees, including contract workers, in the Commonwealth have protections if they are victims of domestic violence or other abusive behavior.