Changes are coming regarding time-off for victims of violence

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Contributors

Employers should keep abreast of the new requirements for California employers pertaining to time off for employees who are victims or violence of have family members who are victims of violence.

Pursuant to AB 2499, beginning January 1, 2025, victims and family members of victims of violent crimes are entitled to time off for jury duty, court appearances, and related activities – whether or not the perpetrator is arrested, prosecuted, or convicted. Violent crimes include violence, sexual assault, stalking, acts involving bodily injury or death, the use of dangerous weapons, or threats of physical harm. Employers must give notice of this information to employees on a yearly basis, upon request, or upon constructive notice that an employee is a victim of violence.

Also, employees may now use California’s Paid Sick Leave (PSL) if they are victims of a crime or need to assist a family member who is a victim of certain specified crimes. Employees may use PSL to take time off to cope with the aftermath of a crime.