WATCH LIST: The Security and Financial Empowerment Act / Survivor’s Empowerment and Economic Security Act

• Sexual and Domestic Violence

• H.R. 2395 / S. 1136

Summary:

The Survivor’s Empowerment and Economic Security Act (H.R. 2395) and The Security and Financial Empowerment (SAFE) Act ( S. 1136) each address sexual and domestic violence issues.

(a) The Security and Financial Empowerment (SAFE) Act sets forth entitlement standards and implementation guidelines for employee use of emergency leave to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (domestic or sexual violence). It also would amend the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit denial of unemployment compensation to individuals separated from employment due to their experience of domestic or sexual violence.

(b) The Victims' Employment Sustainability Act would prohibit certain discriminatory employment practices against victims of domestic or sexual violence.

(c) The Victims of Abuse Insurance Protection Act would prohibit denial or restriction of insurance coverage (including termination of health insurance coverage) based on the status of the applicant or insured as a victim of domestic or sexual violence.