,,ii #aaith ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #dfce ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,may #ba1 #bjbf,mrs4 ,murray 7for herself1 ,ms4 ,baldwin1 ,mr4 ,blumenthal1 ,ms4 ,duckworth1 ,ms4 ,hirono1 ,mr4 ,padilla1 ,mr4 ,sanders1 ,mrs4 ,shaheen1 ,mr4 ,van ,hollen1 and ,mr4 ,wyden7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions ,a ,,bill ,to promote the economic security and safety of survivors of domestic violence1 dating violence1 sexual assault1 or stalking1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,security ,and ,financial ,empowerment for ,survivors ,act of #bjbf or the ,,safe for ,survivors ,act of #bjbf4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,sec4 #b4 ,findings4,sec4 #c4 ,definitions4,sec4 #d4 ,rule of construction regarding more protective laws1 agreements1 programs1 and plans4,sec4 #e4 ,arbitration4,,title ,i--,reauthorization of ,national ,resource ,center grants on workplace responses to assist victims of domestic and sexual violence,sec4 #aja4 ,grant program reauthorization4,,title ,,ii--,safe leave for addressing qualifying acts of violence,sec4 #bja4 ,entitlement to safe leave for addressing domestic violence1 dating violence1 sexual assault1 or stalking4,sec4 #bjb4 ,prohibited acts4,sec4 #bjc4 ,enforcement4,sec4 #bjd4 ,existing leave usable for a qualifying act of violence4,sec4 #bje4 ,emergency benefits4,sec4 #bjf4 ,regulations4,,title ,,iii--,survivors' employment sustainability,sec4 #cja4 ,short title4,sec4 #cjb4 ,definitions4,sec4 #cjc4 ,prohibited discriminatory acts4,sec4 #cjd4 ,remedies and enforcement4,sec4 #cje4 ,rulemaking4,sec4 #cjf4 ,attorney's fees4,,title ,,iv--,entitlement to unemployment compensation for victims of a qualifying act of violence,sec4 #dja4 ,unemployment compensation for victims of a qualifying act of violence4,,title ,v--,insurance protections and support for victims of a qualifying act of violence,subtitle ,a--,insurance protections,sec4 #eja4 ,definitions4,sec4 #ejb4 ,discriminatory acts prohibited4,sec4 #ejc4 ,insurance protocols for victims of a qualifying act of violence4,sec4 #ejd4 ,reasons for adverse actions4,sec4 #eje4 ,life insurance4,sec4 #ejf4 ,subrogation without consent prohibited4,sec4 #ejg4 ,enforcement4,sec4 #ejh4 ,applicability4,subtitle ,b--,supporting and empowering victims,sec4 #eaa4 ,qualifying acts of violence education and information programs for victims4,sec4 #eab4 ,investing in public health infrastructure to improve support for victims4,,title ,,vi--,severability,sec4 #fja4 ,severability4 #b4 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,gender-based violence is prevalent in the ,united ,states4 ,according to the ,centers for ,disease ,control and ,prevention1 almost #a in #d women report having experienced severe physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime and more than #a in #e women have experienced completed or attempted rape in their lifetimes4 ,such violence has a devastating impact on women's physical and emotional health1 financial security1 and ability to maintain their jobs1 and thus impacts interstate commerce and economic security4 7#b7 ,a large percentage of the workforce are survivors of domestic and sexual violence1 and many of them struggle to remain connected to the workforce as they face numerous challenges in obtaining and maintaining employment as a consequence of the abuse4 7#c7 ,the ,office on ,violence ,against ,women of the ,department of ,justice defines domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one intimate partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner4 ,domestic violence can include physical1 sexual1 emotional1 economic1 or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person4 ,domestic violence includes any behaviors that intimidate1 manipulate1 humiliate1 isolate1 frighten1 terrorize1 coerce1 threaten1 blame1 hurt1 injure1 or wound an individual4 7#d7 ,homicide is one of the leading causes of death for women on the job4 ,domestic partners or relatives commit #dc percent of workplace homicides against women4 ,one study found that intimate partner violence resulted in #adb homicides among women at work in the ,united ,states from #bjjc to #bjjh1 a figure which represents #bb percent of the #fdh workplace homicides among women during the period4 ,in fact1 in #bjaj1 homicides against women at work increased by #ac percent despite continuous declines in overall workplace homicides in recent years4 7#e7 ,women in the ,united ,states are #bh times more likely to be murdered with guns than women in other high-income countries4 ,female intimate partners are more likely to be murdered with a firearm than all other means combined4 ,the presence of a gun in domestic violence situations increases the risk of homicide for women by #ejj percent4 7#f7 ,violence can have a dramatic impact on the survivor of such violence4 ,studies indicate that #dd percent of surveyed employed adults experienced the effect of domestic violence in the workplace1 domestic violence victims report that they lost a job1 and #a in #c domestic violence victims report that they lost a job due to domestic violence4 ,another recent survey found that #gh percent of offenders used workplace resources to express anger1 check up on1 pressure1 or threaten a survivor of sexual assault1 whether occurring in or out of the workplace1 can impair an employee's work performance1 require time away from work1 and undermine the employee's ability to maintain a job4 ,nearly #ej percent of sexual assault survivors lose their jobs or are forced to quit in the aftermath of the assaults4 7#g7 ,in a study commission by the ,office on ,violence ,against ,women of the ,department of ,justice1 #ff percent of respondents said an abusive partner had disrupted their ability to complete education or training through tactics such as not allowing them access to money to pay for school1 socially isolating the survivor1 controlling or monitoring their mobility1 using physical or sexual violence1 and damaging or destroying personal property4 7#h7 ,significant barriers survivors confront include housing1 transportation1 and child care4 ,ninety-two percent of homeless women have experienced domestic violence1 and more than #ej percent cite domestic violence as the direct cause for homelessness4 ,survivors are deprived of their autonomy1 liberty1 and security1 and face tremendous threats to their health and safety4 7#i7 ,the ,national ,institutes of ,health report that survivors of severe intimate partner violence lose nearly #h1jjj1jjj days of paid work1 which is the equivalent of more than #cb1jjj full-time jobs and almost #e1fjj1jjj days of household productivity each year4 ,therefore1 women disproportionately need time off to care for their health or to find safety solutions1 such as obtaining a restraining order or finding housing1 to avoid or prevent further violence4 7#aj7 ,annual costs of intimate partner violence are estimated over #h1cjj1jjj1jjj4 ,according to the ,centers for ,disease ,control and ,prevention1 the costs of intimate partner violence against women in #aiie exceeded an estimated #e1hjj1jjj1jjj4 ,these costs included nearly #d1ajj1jjj1jjj in the direct costs of medical and mental health care and nearly #a1hjj1jjj1jjj in the indirect costs of lost productivity4 ,these statistics are generally considered to be underestimated because the costs associated with the criminal justice system are not included4 7#aa7 ,studies estimate that work days lost due to intimate partner violence1 sexual violence1 or stalking over victims' lifetimes are worth an estimated #acg1hjj1jjj1jjj 7calculated using #bjbb dollars74 ,according to the ,bureau of ,justice ,statistics1 about #c1djj1jjj of all persons age #af or older were victims of stalking in #bjai4 ,moreover1 #ag percent of stalking victims describe losing a job or job opportunities1 #a in #h employed stalking victims lose time from work as a result of their victimization1 and more than half lose #e days of work or more4 7#ab7 ,fifty-five percent of senior executives recently surveyed said domestic violence has a harmful effect on their company's productivity4 ,seventy-eight percent of human resources professionals consider partner violence a workplace issue4 ,however1 more than #gj percent of ,united ,states workplaces have no formal program or policy that addresses workplace violence1 let alone domestic violence4 ,in fact1 only #bj percent of employers provided training on domestic violence4 7#ac7 ,studies indicate that one of the best predictors of whether a survivor will be able to stay away from his or her abuser is the degree of his or her economic independence4 ,however1 domestic violence1 dating violence1 sexual assault1 and stalking often negatively impact a survivor's ability to maintain employment4 7#ad7 ,abusers frequently seek to exert financial control over their partners by actively interfering with their ability to work1 including preventing their partners from going to work1 harassing their partners at work1 limiting their partners' access to cash or transportation1 and sabotaging their partners' child care arrangements4 7#ae7 ,economic abuse refers to behaviors that control an intimate partner's ability to acquire1 use1 and maintain access to1 money1 credit1 ownership of assets1 or access to governmental or private financial benefits1 including defaulting on joint obligations 7e4g4 school loans1 credit card debt1 mortgage1 or rent74 ,other forms may include-- 7,a7 preventing someone from attending school2 7,b7 threatening to or actually terminating employment2 7,c7 controlling or withholding access to cash1 checking1 or credit accounts2 and 7,d7 attempts to damage or sabotage an intimate partner's creditworthiness1 including forcing a survivor to write bad checks1 taking on debt in the survivor's name1 including forcing a survivor to default on payments related to household needs1 such as housing1 or forcing a survivor into bankruptcy4 7#af7 ,economic abuse is a significant aspect of teen dating violence1 and has harmful long-term impacts on educational attainment1 employment opportunities1 and financial independence4 7#ag7 ,the ,patient ,protection and ,affordable ,care ,act 7,public ,law #aaa-adh71 and the amendments made by such ,act1 ensures that most health plans must cover preventive services1 including screening and counseling for domestic violence1 at no additional cost4 ,in addition1 it prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against patients for preexisting conditions1 like domestic violence4 7#ah7 ,yet1 more can be done to help survivors4 ,federal law in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this ,act does not explicitly-- 7,a7 authorize survivors of domestic violence1 dating violence1 sexual assault1 or stalking to take leave from work to seek legal assistance and redress1 counseling1 or assistance with safety planning activities2 7,b7 address the eligibility of survivors of domestic violence1 dating violence1 sexual assault1 stalking1 sexual harassment1 family violence1 gender-based violence and harassment1 or trafficking for unemployment compensation2 7,c7 provide job protection to survivors of domestic violence1 dating violence1 sexual assault1 stalking1 sexual harassment1 family violence1 gender-based violence and harassment1 or trafficking2 7,d7 prohibit insurers and employers who self-insure employee benefits from discriminating against survivors of domestic violence1 dating violence1 sexual assault1 stalking1 sexual harassment1 family violence1 gender-based violence and harassment1 or trafficking1 and those who help them in determining eligibility1 rates charged1 and standards for payment of claims2 or 7,e7 prohibit insurers from disclosing information about abuse and the location of the survivors through insurance databases and other means4 7#ai7 ,october is ,national ,domestic ,violence ,awareness ,month4 7#bj7 ,this ,act aims to empower survivors of domestic violence1 dating violence1 sexual assault1 or stalking to be free from violence1 hardship1 and control1 which restrains basic human rights to freedom and safety in the ,united ,states4 #c4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,communication of an intimate visual depiction 7,a7 ,in general ,the term communication of an intimate visual depiction1 when used with respect to an individual1 includes a transmission1 dissemination1 or receipt through electronic or other communication containing at least #a intimate visual depiction of the individual without the individual's consent4 7,b7 ,definitions ,in this paragraph3 7i7 ,intimate visual depiction ,the term intimate visual depiction means any-- 7,i7 photograph1 motion picture film1 videotape1 digital image1 image from social media1 or any other recording or other image of an individual 7other than the person taking the image71 which individual is identifiable from the image itself or from information displayed with or otherwise connected to the image1 that depicts-- 7aa7 sexual activity1 including sexual intercourse or masturbation2 or 7bb7 an individual's intimate body parts1 whether nude or visible through less than opaque clothing2 or 7,,ii7 deepfake of the individual used to realistically depict the individual such that a reasonable person would believe the individual is actually depicted1 that depicts-- 7aa7 sexual activity1 including sexual intercourse or masturbation2 or 7bb7 an individual's intimate body parts1 whether nude or visible through less than opaque clothing4 7ii7 ,consent ,the term consent means an affirmative1 conscious1 and voluntary authorization made by an individual free from force1 fraud1 duress1 misrepresentation1 or coercion4 7iii7 ,deepfake ,the term deepfake means a video or image that is generated or substantially modified using machine-learning techniques or any other computer-generated or machine-generated means to falsely depict an individual's appearance or conduct4 7#b7 ,dating violence2 sexual assault2 stalking ,the terms dating violence1 sexual assault1 and stalking have the meanings given the terms in section #djjjb of the ,violence ,against ,women ,act of #aiid 7#cd ,u4,s4,c4 #abbia74 7#c7 ,domestic partner 7,a7 ,in general ,the term domestic partner1 with respect to an individual1 means another individual with whom the first individual is in a committed relationship1 as defined under subparagraph 7,b74 7,b7 ,committed relationship ,in this paragraph1 the term committed relationship means a relationship in which the covered individual1 and the domestic partner of the covered individual1 share responsibility for a significant measure of each other's common welfare4 ,this includes any relationship between individuals of the same or different sex that is granted legal recognition by a ,state or other political subdivision as a marriage or analogous relationship 7including a civil union74 7#d7 ,domestic violence ,the term domestic violence has the meaning given the term in section #djjjb of the ,violence ,against ,women ,act of #aiid 7#cd ,u4,s4,c4 #abbia71 except that the reference in such section to the term jurisdiction receiving grant funding shall be deemed to mean the jurisdiction in which the victim lives4 7#e7 ,employ2 ,state ,the terms employ and ,state have the meanings given the terms in section #c of the ,fair ,labor ,standards ,act of #aich 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #bjc74 7#f7 ,employee 7,a7 ,in general ,the term employee means any individual employed by an employer4 ,in the case of an individual employed by a public agency1 such term means an individual employed as described in section #c7;e77#b7 of the ,fair ,labor ,standards ,act of #aich 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #bjc7;e77#b774 7,b7 ,basis ,the term includes an individual employed as described in subparagraph 7,a7 on a full- or part-time basis1 for a fixed time period1 on a temporary basis1 pursuant to a detail1 or as a participant in a work assignment as a condition of receipt of ,federal or ,state income-based public assistance4 7#g7 ,employer ,the term employer has the meaning given the term in section #gja7;b7 of the ,civil ,rights ,act of #aifd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;e7b774 7#h7 ,employment benefits ,the term employment benefits means all benefits provided or made available to employees by an employer1 including group life insurance1 health insurance1 disability insurance1 sick leave1 annual leave1 educational benefits1 and pensions1 regardless of whether such benefits are provided by a practice or written policy of an employer or through an employee benefit plan1 as defined in section #c7c7 of the ,employee ,retirement ,income ,security ,act of #aigd 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb7c774 7#i7 ,family or household member ,the term family or household member1 used with respect to an individual1 means an individual who-- 7,a7 is a son or daughter1 parent1 spouse1 domestic partner1 or any other individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with the individual is the equivalent of a family relationship2 and 7,b7 is not the abuser 7as defined in section #eja7 involved4 7#aj7 ,family violence ,the term family violence has the meaning given the term in section #cjb of the ,family ,violence ,prevention and ,services ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ajdjb71 except that such term shall include an action committed against that individual by any family member or any person who resides in that individual's household4 7#aa7 ,gender-based violence and harassment 7,a7 ,in ,general ,the term gender-based violence and harassment means violence and harassment directed at an individual because of their sex or gender1 or affecting individuals of a particular sex or gender disproportionately1 and includes sexual harassment4 7,b7 ,violence and harassment ,in this paragraph1 the term violence and harassment means a range of unacceptable behaviors and practices1 or threats thereof1 whether a single occurrence or repeated1 that aim at1 result in1 or are likely to result in physical1 psychological1 sexual1 economic1 or technological harm1 and includes sexual harassment4 7#ab7 ,person ,the term person has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,fair ,labor ,standards ,act of #aich 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #bjc74 7#ac7 ,public agency ,the term public agency has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,fair ,labor ,standards ,act of #aich 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #bjc74 7#ad7 ,public assistance ,the term public assistance includes cash1 benefits issued under a supplemental nutrition assistance program under section #d of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjac71 medical assistance1 housing assistance1 and other benefits provided on the basis of income by a public agency4 7#ae7 ,qualifying act of violence ,the term qualifying act of violence means an act1 conduct1 or pattern of conduct that is or could constitute any of the following3 7,a7 ,domestic violence4 7,b7 ,family violence4 7,c7 ,sexual assault4 7,d7 ,sexual harassment4 7,e7 ,stalking4 7,f7 ,dating violence4 7,g7 ,trafficking4 7,h7 ,communication of an intimate visual depiction4 7,i7 ,other forms of gender-based violence or harassment4 7,j7 ,an act1 conduct1 or pattern of conduct-- 7i7 in which an individual causes or threatens to cause bodily injury or death to another individual2 7ii7 in which an individual exhibits1 draws1 brandishes1 or uses a firearm1 or other dangerous weapon1 with respect to another individual2 or 7iii7 in which an individual uses1 or makes a reasonably perceived or actual threat to use force against another individual to cause bodily injury or death4 7#af7 ,sexual harassment ,the term sexual harassment means conduct that is considered to be sexual harassment under applicable ,federal1 ,tribal1 or ,state law4 7#ag7 ,trafficking ,the term trafficking means an act or threat of an act that may constitute sex trafficking or human trafficking1 as prescribed by ,federal1 ,tribal1 or ,state law4 7#ah7 ,victim of a qualifying act of violence ,the term victim of a qualifying act of violence includes-- 7,a7 an individual who has experienced or is experiencing a qualifying act of violence2 and 7,b7 an individual whose family or household member has experienced or is experiencing a qualifying act of violence4 7#ai7 ,victim services organization ,the term victim services organization means an organization that provides services to victims of a qualifying act of violence1 including telephonic or web-based hotlines1 legal assistance and legal advocacy1 economic advocacy1 emergency and transitional shelter1 accompaniment and advocacy through medical1 civil or criminal justice1 immigration1 and social support systems1 crisis intervention1 short-term individual and group support services1 information and referrals1 culturally specific services1 population specific services1 and other related supportive services4 #d4 ,rule of construction regarding more protective laws1 agreements1 programs1 and plans ,nothing in this ,act1 including the amendments made by this ,act1 shall be construed to supersede any provision of any ,federal1 ,state1 or local law1 collective bargaining agreement1 or employment benefits program or plan that provides-- 7#a7 greater leave rights for victims of a qualifying act of violence than the rights established under this ,act2 or 7#b7 leave benefits for a larger population of victims of a qualifying act of violence 7as defined in such law1 agreement1 program1 or plan7 than the victims of a qualifying act of violence covered under this ,act4 #e4 ,arbitration 7a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of this ,act1 no predispute arbitration agreement or predispute joint-action waiver1 as those terms are defined in section #dja of title #i1 ,united ,states ,code1 that relates to a claim arising out of title ,,ii1 title ,,iii1 or title ,v1 shall be valid or enforceable4 7b7 ,applicability ,an issue as to whether title ,,ii1 title ,,iii1 or title ,v applies with respect to a dispute shall be determined under ,federal law4 ,the applicability of such a title to an agreement to arbitrate and the validity and enforceability of an agreement to which such a title applies shall be determined by a court1 rather than an arbitrator1 irrespective of whether the party resisting arbitration challenges the arbitration agreement specifically or in conjunction with other terms of the contract containing such agreement1 and irrespective of whether the agreement purports to delegate such determinations to an arbitrator4 ,i ,reauthorization of ,national ,resource ,center grants on workplace responses to assist victims of domestic and sexual violence #aja4 ,grant program reauthorization 7a7 ,information and assistance to victim service providers and community organizations ,section #daeja7;a7 of the ,violence ,against ,women ,act of #aiid 7#cd ,u4,s4,c4 #abeja7;a77 is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting 1 and to victim services organizations 7as defined in section #c of the ,,safe for ,survivors ,act of #bjbf7 7including community based organizations7 and ,tribal1 ,state1 and territorial domestic violence or sexual assault coalitions to enable the organizations and coalitions to provide resource materials or other assistance to employers1 labor organizations1 or employees44 7b7 ,administrative provisions ,section #daeja of the ,violence ,against ,women ,act of #aiid 7#cd ,u4,s4,c4 #abeja7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7h7 ,administrative ,costs 7#a7 ,in general ,from the amount appropriated pursuant to subsection 7f7 for each fiscal year1 the ,attorney ,general shall not use more than #b4e percent for the administration and monitoring of grants made available under this section4 7#b7 ,evaluations ,from the amount appropriated pursuant to subsection 7f7 for each fiscal year1 the ,director of the ,office on ,violence ,against ,women shall not use more than #e percent to award contracts or cooperative agreements to entities with demonstrated expertise in program evaluation to evaluate programs under this section4 4 ,,ii ,safe leave for addressing qualifying acts of violence #bja4 ,entitlement to safe leave for addressing domestic violence1 dating violence1 sexual assault1 or stalking 7a7 ,safe leave generally ,an employer shall provide each employee employed by the employer not less than #dj work days of leave in a #ab-month period to be used as described in subsection 7d7 7referred to in this title as safe leave71 of which not fewer than #aj workdays 7of the employee's choice7 shall be paid4 ,the remaining days of safe leave may be unpaid leave1 except that the employee may elect to substitute the leave under section #bjd4 ,an employee may take not more than a total of #dj work days of paid or unpaid safe leave in a #ab-month period under this section 7which may be taken intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule71 in addition to any leave taken under title ,i of the ,family and ,medical ,leave ,act of #aiic 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #bfaa et seq47 or subchapter ,v of chapter #fc of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7b7 ,construction ,nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring financial or other reimbursement to an employee from an employer upon the employee's termination1 resignation1 retirement1 or other separation from employment for earned paid safe leave that has not been used4 7c7 ,reinstatement ,if an employee is separated from employment with an employer and is rehired1 within #ab months after that separation1 by the same employer1 the employer shall 7in addition to providing unpaid safe leave in accordance with subsection 7a77 reinstate the employee's previously earned paid safe leave4 ,the employee shall be entitled to use the earned paid safe leave and earn additional paid safe leave at the recommencement of employment with the employer4 7d7 ,uses ,safe leave earned under this section may be used by an employee for an absence resulting from a qualifying act of violence if the time is for the employee or employee's family or household member to-- 7#a7 seek1 receive1 or secure counseling2 7#b7 seek or secure temporary or permanent relocation or take steps to secure an existing home2 7#c7 seek1 receive1 or follow up on assistance from an organization or agency providing services to victims2 7#d7 seek legal assistance or attend legal proceedings1 including preparation for or participation in any related administrative1 civil1 or criminal legal proceeding or other related activities2 7#e7 seek medical attention for physical or psychological injury or disability caused or aggravated by a qualifying act of violence2 7#f7 attend or make arrangements for the funeral or alternative to a funeral or wake of a victim of a qualifying act of violence who died as a result of a qualifying act of violence or grieve the death of a victim who died as a result of a qualifying act of violence2 7#g7 obtain or provide childcare or adult dependent care necessary as a result of a qualifying act of violence2 7#h7 enroll a child in a new school or make a care arrangement2 7#i7 access financial services or meet with a financial professional to address financial issues resulting from the qualifying act of violence2 7#aj7 enroll1 renew1 or otherwise obtain benefits or public assistance or other services2 7#aa7 access accessibility accommodations1 including retrofitting home or vehicle or securing or being fitted for accessibility equipment2 or 7#ab7 take any other steps necessary to protect or restore their physical1 mental1 emotional1 and economic well-being or the well-being of a family member recovering from a qualifying act4 7e7 ,procedures 7#a7 ,request ,safe leave shall be provided upon the oral or written request of an employee4 ,such request shall-- 7,a7 include the expected duration of the period of such leave2 and 7,b7 be provided as soon as practicable after the employee is aware of the need for such period4 7#b7 ,certification 7,a7 ,in general ,if the period in question covers more than #c workdays1 an employer may require that a request for safe leave under this section for a purpose described in subsection 7d7 be supported-- 7i7 by any form of certification1 as determined by the employee1 consisting of-- 7,i7 a sworn statement of the employee or the family or household member1 or another person with knowledge of the situation1 as the case may be2 7,,ii7 documentation from an employee or volunteer working for a victim services organization1 an attorney1 a police officer1 a medical professional1 a social worker1 an antiviolence counselor1 a member of the clergy1 or another professional1 affirming that the employee or a family or household member of the employee is a victim of a qualifying act of violence2 7,,iii7 a police or court record indicating that the employee1 or a family or household member of the employee1 was a victim of a qualifying act of violence2 7,,iv7 a court order protecting or separating the employee or a family or household member of the employee from the perpetrator of a qualifying act of violence or other evidence from the court or prosecuting attorney that the employee or family or household member has appeared in court or is scheduled to appear in court in a proceeding related to a qualifying act of violence2 or 7,v7 other corroborating evidence concerning the employee or family or household member2 and 7ii7 if the victim is the employee's family or household member1 in order to verify the employee's relationship with the victim1 by information that may include a sworn statement of the employee1 a birth certificate1 a court document1 or other corroborating evidence4 7,b7 ,survivor information protections 7i7 ,in general ,the facts to be disclosed in any certification shall be limited to the minimum necessary to verify a need for the employee to be absent from work in connection with a qualifying act of violence1 and the employee shall not be required to explain the details of the qualifying act of violence or how leave will be used4 7ii7 ,limitation on information requirements ,an employer may not require an employee1 in order to obtain leave under this section1 to produce1 discuss with the employer1 or provide-- 7,i7 any additional information1 beyond the information enumerated in this subsection that establishes that the employee is eligible for leave under this section2 or 7,,ii7 any information that would compromise the safety of the employee or family or household member in any way4 7,c7 ,timeliness ,the employee shall provide a copy of such certification to the employer in a timely manner1 and not later than #cj days after the first day of the period of leave1 to the extent practicable4 ,the employer shall not delay the commencement of the period of leave on the basis that the employer has not yet received the certification4 7#c7 ,prohibition ,an employer may not require1 as a condition of providing safe leave under this title1 that the employee involved search for or find a replacement employee to cover the hours during which the employee is using safe leave4 7f7 ,confidentiality2 nondisclosure for victims 7#a7 ,confidentiality ,all information provided to the employer pursuant to subsection 7e71 and the fact that the employee or family or household member is a victim of a qualifying act of violence1 and the employee has requested or obtained safe leave pursuant to this section1 shall be retained in the strictest confidence by the employer1 except to the extent that disclosure is-- 7,a7 requested or consented to by the employee in writing2 or 7,b7 otherwise required by applicable ,federal or ,state law4 7#b7 ,confidential communications ,the provision of any information under this section does not waive or diminish the confidential or privileged nature of communications between a victim of a qualifying act of violence with one or more of the individuals or entities providing information under subclause 7,,ii71 7,,iii71 7,,iv71 or 7,v7 of clause 7i71 or clause 7ii71 of subsection 7e77#b77;,a74 7#c7 ,nondisclosure ,if an employer possesses health information about an employee or an employee's family or household member in connection with a certification under this section1 such information shall-- 7,a7 be maintained on a separate form and in a separate file from other personnel information2 7,b7 be treated as a confidential medical record2 and 7,c7 not be disclosed except to the affected employee or with the written permission of the affected employee4 7g7 ,employment and benefits 7#a7 ,restoration to position 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 any employee who takes leave under this section for the intended purpose of the leave shall be entitled1 on return from such leave-- 7i7 to be restored by the employer to the position of employment held by the employee when the leave commenced2 or 7ii7 to be restored to an equivalent position with equivalent employment benefits1 pay1 and other terms and conditions of employment4 7,b7 ,loss of benefits ,the taking of leave under this section shall not result in the loss of any employment benefit accrued prior to the date on which the leave commenced4 7,c7 ,limitations ,nothing in this subsection shall be construed to entitle any restored employee to any accrual1 right1 benefit1 or position described in section #ajd7;a77#c7 of the ,family and ,medical ,leave ,act of #aiic 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #bfad7;a77#c774 7,d7 ,construction ,nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prohibit an employer from requiring an employee on leave under this section to report periodically to the employer on the status and intention of the employee to return to work4 7#b7 ,maintenance of health benefits ,during any period that an employee takes leave under this section1 the employer shall maintain coverage under any group health plan 7meaning a group health plan as defined in section #ejjj7;b77#a7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf or an employee welfare benefit plan as defined in section #c7a7 of the ,employee ,retirement ,income ,security ,act of #aigd 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb7a777 for the duration of such leave at the level and under the conditions coverage would have been provided if the employee had continued in employment continuously for the duration of such leave4 #bjb4 ,prohibited acts 7a7 ,interference with rights 7#a7 ,in general ,it shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with1 restrain1 deny1 or retaliate against an individual because of the exercise of1 or the attempt to exercise1 any right provided under section #bja1 including through-- 7,a7 discharging or in any other manner discriminating against 7including retaliating against7 an individual because the individual has requested1 indicated an intent to request1 or taken safe leave2 or 7,b7 using the request for or use of such leave as a negative factor in an employment action4 7#b7 ,rebuttable presumption of retaliation ,any adverse action 7including any action described in paragraph 7#a77 taken against an employee in the #ab month period after an employee takes any leave for which the employee is eligible shall establish a rebuttal presumption that the action of the employer is retaliating against such employee in violation of paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,discrimination ,it shall be unlawful for any employer to discharge or in any other manner discriminate against any individual for opposing any practice made unlawful by section #bja4 7b7 ,interference with proceedings or inquiries ,it shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or in any other manner discriminate against any individual because such individual-- 7#a7 has filed any charge1 or has instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding1 under or related to section #bja2 7#b7 has given1 or is about to give1 any information in connection with any inquiry or proceeding relating to any right provided under section #bja2 or 7#c7 has testified1 or is about to testify1 in any inquiry or proceeding relating to any right provided under section #bja4 #bjc4 ,enforcement 7a7 ,civil action by affected individuals 7#a7 ,liability ,any employer that violates section #bja or #bjb shall be liable to any individual affected-- 7,a7 for damages equal to-- 7i7 the greater of #a1jjj or the amount of-- 7,i7 any wages1 salary1 employment benefits1 or other compensation denied or lost to such individual by reason of the violation2 or 7,,ii7 in a case in which wages1 salary1 employment benefits1 or other compensation has not been denied or lost to the individual1 any actual monetary losses sustained by the individual as a direct result of the violation2 7ii7 the interest on the amount described in clause 7i7 calculated at the prevailing rate2 and 7iii7 an additional amount as liquidated damages equal to the sum of the amount described in clause 7i7 and the interest described in clause 7ii71 except that if an employer that has violated section #bja or #bjb proves to the satisfaction of the court that the act or omission that violated section #bja or #bjb was in good faith and that the employer had reasonable grounds for believing that the act or omission was not a violation of section #bja or #bjb1 such court may1 in the discretion of the court1 reduce the amount of the liability to the amount and interest determined under clauses 7i7 and 7ii71 respectively2 and 7,b7 for such equitable relief as may be appropriate1 including employment1 reinstatement1 and promotion4 7#b7 ,right of action ,an action to recover the damages or equitable relief prescribed in paragraph 7#a7 may be maintained against any employer in any ,federal or ,state court of competent jurisdiction by any one or more affected individuals for and on behalf of-- 7,a7 the individuals2 or 7,b7 the individuals and other individuals similarly situated4 7#c7 ,fees and costs ,the court in such an action shall1 in addition to any judgment awarded to the plaintiff1 allow a reasonable attorney's fee1 reasonable expert witness fees1 and other costs of the action to be paid by the defendant4 7#d7 ,limitations ,the right provided by paragraph 7#b7 to bring an action by or on behalf of any affected individual shall terminate-- 7,a7 on the filing of a complaint by the ,secretary of ,labor in an action under subsection 7b7 in which restraint is sought of any further delay in the payment of the amount described in paragraph 7#a77;,a7 to such individual by an employer responsible under paragraph 7#a7 for the payment2 or 7,b7 on the filing of a complaint by the ,secretary of ,labor in an action under subsection 7b7 in which a recovery is sought of the damages described in paragraph 7#a77;,a7 owing to an affected individual by an employer liable under paragraph 7#a71 unless the action described in subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,b7 is dismissed without prejudice on motion of the ,secretary of ,labor4 7b7 ,action by the ,secretary of ,labor 7#a7 ,administrative action ,the ,secretary of ,labor shall receive1 investigate1 and attempt to resolve complaints of violations of section #bja and #bjb in the same manner as the ,secretary of ,labor receives1 investigates1 and attempts to resolve complaints of violations of sections #f and #g of the ,fair ,labor ,standards ,act of #aich 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #bjf and #bjg74 7#b7 ,civil action ,the ,secretary of ,labor may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction to recover the damages described in subsection 7a77#a77;,a74 7#c7 ,sums recovered ,any sums recovered by the ,secretary of ,labor pursuant to paragraph 7#b7 shall be held in a special deposit account and shall be paid1 on order of the ,secretary1 directly to each individual affected4 ,any such sums not paid to such an individual because of inability to do so within a period of #c years shall be deposited into the ,treasury of the ,united ,states as miscellaneous receipts4 7#d7 ,civil monetary penalties ,in addition to the penalties payable to an affected individual under this subsection1 any employer that violates section #bja or #bjb shall be subject to a penalty payable to the ,secretary of ,labor of #a1jjj per violation for each individual affected4 7c7 ,limitation 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 an action may be brought under this subsection not later than #b years after the date of the last event constituting the alleged violation for which the action is brought4 7#b7 ,willful violation ,in the case of such action brought for a willful violation of section #bjb1 such action may be brought within #c years after the date of the last event constituting the alleged violation for which such action is brought4 7#c7 ,commencement ,in determining when an action is commenced by the ,secretary of ,labor under this section for the purposes of this subsection1 it shall be considered to be commenced on the date when the complaint is filed4 7d7 ,action for injunction by ,secretary of ,labor ,the district courts of the ,united ,states shall have jurisdiction1 for cause shown1 in an action brought by the ,secretary of ,labor-- 7#a7 to restrain violations of section #bja or #bjb1 including the restraint of any withholding of payment of wages1 salary1 employment benefits1 or other compensation1 plus interest1 found by the court to be due to affected individuals2 or 7#b7 to award such other equitable relief as may be appropriate1 including employment1 reinstatement1 and promotion4 7e7 ,solicitor of ,labor ,the ,solicitor of ,labor may appear for and represent the ,secretary of ,labor on any litigation brought under this section4 7f7 ,employer liability under other laws ,nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the liability of an employer to an individual1 for harm suffered relating to the individual's experience of a qualifying act of violence1 pursuant to any other ,federal or ,state law1 including a law providing for a legal remedy4 7g7 ,other administrative officers 7#a7 ,board ,in the case of a covered employee1 as defined in section #aja of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acja71 other than an applicant for employment1 the authority of the ,secretary of ,labor under this title shall be exercised by the ,board of ,directors of the ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 7#b7 ,president2 merit systems protection board ,in the case of a covered employee1 as defined in section #daa7;c7 of title #c1 ,united ,states ,code1 the authority of the ,secretary of ,labor under this title shall be exercised by the ,president and the ,merit ,systems ,protection ,board4 7#c7 ,office of personnel management ,in the case of a ,federal officer or employee covered under subchapter ,v of chapter #fc of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 the authority of the ,secretary of ,labor under this title shall be exercised by the ,office of ,personnel ,management4 7#d7 ,librarian of congress ,in the case of employees of the ,library of ,congress1 the authority of the ,secretary of ,labor under this title shall be exercised by the ,librarian of ,congress4 7#e7 ,comptroller general ,in the case of employees of the ,government ,accountability ,office1 the authority of the ,secretary of ,labor under this title shall be exercised by the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states4 #bjd4 ,existing leave usable for a qualifying act of violence ,an employee who is entitled to take paid or unpaid leave 7including family1 medical1 sick1 annual1 personal1 or similar leave7 from employment1 pursuant to ,federal law 7including the ,family and ,medical ,leave ,act of #aiic 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #bfaa et seq47 or subchapter ,v of chapter #fc of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code71 ,state law1 local law1 a collective bargaining agreement1 or an employment benefits program or plan1 may elect to substitute any period of such leave for an equivalent period of leave provided under section #bja4 #bje4 ,emergency benefits 7a7 ,in general ,a ,state may use funds provided to the ,state under part ,a of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fja et seq47 to provide nonrecurrent short-term emergency benefits to an individual for any period of leave the individual takes pursuant to section #bja of this ,act4 7b7 ,eligibility 7#a7 ,in general ,an individual who is eligible for assistance under the ,state program funded under that part and for leave under section #bja shall be eligible for such emergency benefits1 except as provided in paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,calculation ,in calculating eligibility for such emergency benefits1 the ,state shall count only the cash available or accessible to the individual4 7c7 ,timing 7#a7 ,applications ,an individual seeking emergency benefits under subsection 7a7 from a ,state shall submit an application to the ,state4 7#b7 ,benefits ,the ,state shall provide benefits to an eligible applicant under paragraph 7#a7 on an expedited basis1 and not later than seven days after the applicant submits an application under paragraph 7#a74 #bjf4 ,regulations 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,authority to issue regulations ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 the ,secretary of ,labor shall issue regulations to carry out this title4 7#b7 ,regulations regarding notices ,the regulations described in paragraph 7#a7 shall include regulations requiring every employer to post and keep posted1 in conspicuous places on the premises of the employer where notices to employees are customarily placed1 a notice1 to be prepared or approved by the ,secretary of ,labor1 summarizing the provisions of this title and providing information on procedures for filing complaints4 ,the ,secretary of ,labor shall develop such a notice and provide copies to employers upon request without charge4 7b7 ,other administrative officers ,the authorities described in section #bjc7;g7 shall apply with respect to promulgating regulations to carry out this ,act for the respective employees of each administrative officer described in such subsection4 ,the regulations prescribed under this subsection shall1 to the extent appropriate1 be consistent with the regulations prescribed by the ,secretary of ,labor under subsection 7a74 ,,iii ,survivors' employment sustainability #cja4 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,survivors' ,employment ,sustainability ,act4 #cjb4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,board ,the term board has the meaning given the term in section #aja of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acja74 7#b7 ,commission ,the term commission means the ,equal ,employment ,opportunity ,commission4 7#c7 ,covered family or household member ,the term covered family or household member means a family or household member who has experienced or is experiencing a qualifying act of violence4 7#d7 ,discriminate ,the term discriminate-- 7,a7 used with respect to an employer and the terms1 conditions1 or privileges of employment1 includes-- 7i7 failing to implement1 on request from an individual1 in response to an actual or threatened qualifying act of violence1 a reasonable safety procedure or job-related modification to enhance the security of that individual or safeguard the workplace involved 7such as installation of a lock1 change of a telephone number or seating assignment1 provision of a transfer1 provision of leave1 modification of a schedule1 or adjustment of a work requirement71 unless the employer can demonstrate that granting the request would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the business of the employer2 and 7ii7 harassment or retaliation described in section #cjc7;a72 and 7,b7 used with respect to a public agency and the amount1 terms1 or conditions of public assistance1 includes-- 7i7 failing to implement1 on request from an individual1 in response to an actual or threatened qualifying act of violence1 a reasonable safety procedure1 unless the public agency can demonstrate that granting the request would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the public agency2 and 7ii7 harassment or retaliation described in section #cjc7;b74 7#e7 ,employee ,the term employee means-- 7,a7 an employee 7including an applicant71 as defined in section #gja7;f7 of the ,civil ,rights ,act of #aifd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;e7f772 7,b7 a covered employee 7including an applicant71 as defined in section #aja of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acja71 and an individual described in section #bja7;d7 of that ,act 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acaa7;d772 7,c7 a covered employee 7including an applicant71 as defined in section #daa7;c7 of title #c1 ,united ,states ,code2 7,d7 a ,state employee 7including an applicant7 described in section #cjd7;a7 of the ,government ,employee ,rights ,act of #aiia 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;e-#af;c7a772 and 7,e7 an employee 7including an applicant7 to which section #gag7;a7 of the ,civil ,rights ,act of #aifd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;e-#af7;a77 applies4 7#f7 ,employer ,the term employer means-- 7,a7 an employer1 as defined in section #gja7;b7 of the ,civil ,rights ,act of #aifd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;e7b772 7,b7 an employing office1 as defined in section #aja of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acja72 7,c7 an employing office1 as defined in section #daa7;c7 of title #c1 ,united ,states ,code2 7,d7 an entity employing a ,state employee described in section #cjd7;a7 of the ,government ,employee ,rights ,act of #aiia 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;e-#af;c7a772 and 7,e7 an entity to which section #gag7;a7 of the ,civil ,rights ,act of #aifd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;e-#af7;a77 applies4 7#g7 ,qualified employee ,the term qualified employee means an employee who is a qualified individual1 as defined in section #aja of the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abaaa74 7#h7 ,reasonable accommodation 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,c71 the term reasonable accommodation means a reasonable job-related modification or safety procedure1 made to address the impacts of a qualifying act of violence or enhance the security of a qualified employee who is the victim of the qualifying act of violence4 7,b7 ,included accommodations ,subject to subparagraph 7,c71 the term reasonable accommodation includes an accommodation1 made as described in subparagraph 7,a71 that is-- 7i7 any change or adjustment to a job or work environment that permits such an employee to participate in the job application process1 to perform the essential functions of a job1 or to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment2 7ii7 a transfer1 reassignment1 or other change in the work location2 7iii7 a modified or flexible work schedule2 7iv7 a change to work contact information1 including a name change or limit on dissemination of contact information2 7v7 a change to a workstation or seating assignment2 7vi7 implementation of a confidentiality measure1 including removal of references to the employee from the employer's website2 7vii7 implementation of an enhanced safety protocol including providing access to a parking space close to the worksite or installation of a lock or other security device2 7viii7 assistance in documenting qualifying acts of violence that occur in the workplace or in a work-related setting2 7ix7 implementation of a safety procedure2 7x7 provision of leave or time off2 7xi7 restructuring of the job functions of the employee2 or 7xii7 any other adjustment to a job structure1 workplace facility1 or work requirement in response to the qualifying act of violence4 7,c7 ,exclusion ,the term reasonable accommodation does not include an accommodation if the employer involved can demonstrate that the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the business of an employer4 7#i7 ,undue hardship ,the term undue hardship has the meaning give the term in section #aja of the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abaaa74 #cjc4 ,prohibited discriminatory acts 7a7 ,discrimination by employers ,it shall be an unlawful practice for an employer to fail or refuse to hire or discharge any individual1 or otherwise to discriminate 7including harassment or retaliation in any form or manner7 against any individual with respect to the compensation1 terms1 conditions1 or privileges of employment of the individual1 because-- 7#a7 the individual is1 or the employer perceives that individual to be1 a victim of a qualifying act of violence2 7#b7 that individual attended1 participated in1 prepared for1 or requested leave related to an event that resulted in the individual becoming a victim of a qualifying act of violence2 7#c7 that individual1 in response to an actual or threatened qualifying act of violence1 requested a reasonable accommodation2 or 7#d7 the workplace is disrupted or threatened by the action of a person whom that individual states has committed or threatened to commit a qualifying act of violence4 7b7 ,discrimination by public agencies ,it shall be an unlawful practice for a public agency to deny1 reduce1 or terminate the benefits of1 or otherwise sanction any individual1 or otherwise discriminate 7including harassment or retaliation in any form or manner7 against any individual with respect to the amount1 terms1 or conditions of public assistance of the individual1 because-- 7#a7 the individual is1 or the public agency involved perceives that individual to be1 a victim of a qualifying act of violence2 or 7#b7 that individual attended1 participated in1 or prepared for1 an event that resulted in the individual becoming a victim of a qualifying act of violence4 7c7 ,failure ,to provide accommodation 7#a7 ,in general ,it shall be an unlawful practice for an employer to-- 7,a7 fail to make a reasonable accommodation for a qualified employee who is a victim of a qualifying act of violence and whose status as such a victim is known or should have been known to the employer1 to address the impacts of the violence or enhance the security of the victim involved2 7,b7 refuse or otherwise fail to engage in an interactive process within a reasonable time with a qualified employee described in subparagraph 7,a71 who has requested a reasonable accommodation under this subsection2 7,c7 require a qualified employee described in subparagraph 7,a7 to accept an accommodation other than a reasonable accommodation arrived at through the interactive process2 7,d7 require a qualified employee described in subparagraph 7,a7 to take leave2 and 7,e7 take adverse action relating to a term1 condition1 or privilege of employment against a qualified employee on account of the qualified employee requesting or using a reasonable accommodation4 7#b7 ,presumption ,if an employer takes any adverse action 7including any action described in paragraph 7#a77;,e77 against a qualified employee within #ab months after the employee uses any leave to which the individual was entitled under paragraph 7#a71 there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the practice of the employer is adverse action against such employee in violation of paragraph 7#a77;,e74 7#c7 ,documentation ,an employer required under this subsection to make a reasonable accommodation may require a qualified employee requesting a reasonable accommodation pursuant to this subsection to provide certification that the person is a victim of a qualifying act of violence4 ,the person requesting a reasonable accommodation pursuant to this subsection shall provide a copy of such certification to the employer within a reasonable period after the request is made4 ,an employer may not require a specific form of certification and a qualified employee may satisfy the requirements of this subsection by submitting any of the following forms of certification3 7,a7 ,sworn statement of the qualified employee1 the qualified employee's family member1 or another person with knowledge of the qualifying act of violence4 7,b7 ,documentation from a survivor services organization1 an attorney1 law enforcement personnel1 a medical professional1 a social worker1 an antiviolence counselor1 a cultural or religious provider1 or another professional who assisted the qualified employee in addressing the qualifying act of violence1 affirming that the qualified employee is a victim of a qualifying act of violence4 7,c7 ,a police or court record demonstrating that the qualified employee is a victim of a qualifying act of violence4 7,d7 ,other corroborating evidence concerning the qualified employee demonstrating the qualified employee's status as a victim of a qualifying act of violence4 7d7 ,confidentiality2 nondisclosure for victims 7#a7 ,confidentiality ,all information provided to the employer pursuant to subsection 7a7 or 7c71 and the fact that the employee is a victim of a qualifying act of violence 7or that the employee's covered family or household member is such a victim71 and that the employee has requested or obtained leave or a reasonable accommodation pursuant to this section1 shall be retained in the strictest confidence by the employer1 except to the extent that disclosure is-- 7,a7 requested or consented to by the employee in writing2 or 7,b7 otherwise required by applicable ,federal or ,state law4 7#b7 ,confidential communications ,the provision of any information under this section does not waive or diminish the confidential or privileged nature of communications between a victim of a qualifying act of violence with one or more of the individuals or entities providing information as described in section #bja7;f77#b74 7#c7 ,nondisclosure ,if an employer possesses health information about an employee 7or an employee's covered family or household member7 in connection with a request or determination made under this section1 such information shall-- 7,a7 be maintained on a separate form and in a separate file from other personnel information2 7,b7 be treated as a confidential medical record2 and 7,c7 not be disclosed except to the affected employee or with the written permission of the affected employee4 #cjd4 ,remedies and enforcement 7a7 ,employment discrimination 7#a7 ,employees covered by title vii of the civil rights act of #aifd 7,a7 ,in general ,the powers1 remedies1 and procedures provided in sections #gje1 #gjf1 #gjg1 #gji1 #gaj1 and #gaa of the ,civil ,rights ,act of #aifd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;e-#d et seq47 to the ,commission1 the ,attorney ,general1 or any person alleging a violation of title ,,vii of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;e et seq47 shall be the powers1 remedies1 and procedures this ,act provides to the ,commission1 the ,attorney ,general1 or any person1 respectively1 alleging an unlawful practice in violation of subsection 7a7 or 7c7 of section #cjc against an employee described in section #cjb7e77;,a7 except as provided in subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c7 of this paragraph4 7,b7 ,costs and fees ,the powers1 remedies1 and procedures provided in subsections 7b7 and 7c7 of section #gbb of the ,revised ,statutes 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aihh7 shall be the powers1 remedies1 and procedures this ,act provides to the ,commission1 the ,attorney ,general1 or any person alleging such practice4 7,c7 ,damages ,the powers1 remedies1 and procedures provided in section #aigg;,a of the ,revised ,statutes 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aiha;a71 including the limitations contained in subsection 7b77#c7 of such section #aigg;,a1 shall be the powers1 remedies1 and procedures this ,act provides to the ,commission1 the ,attorney ,general1 or any person alleging such practice 7not an employment practice specifically excluded from coverage under section #aigg;,a7a77#a7 of the ,revised ,statutes 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aiha;a7a77#a7774 7#b7 ,employees covered by congressional accountability act of #aiie 7,a7 ,in general ,the powers1 remedies1 and procedures provided in the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acja et seq47 for the purposes of addressing allegations of violations of section #bja7;a77#a7 of such ,act 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acaa7;a77#a77 shall be the powers1 remedies1 and procedures this ,act provides to address an allegation of an unlawful practice in violation of subsection 7a7 or 7c7 of section #cjc against an employee described in section #cjb7e77;,b71 except as provided in subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c7 of this paragraph4 7,b7 ,costs and fees ,the powers1 remedies1 and procedures provided in subsections 7b7 and 7c7 of section #gbb of the ,revised ,statutes 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aihh7 for the purposes of addressing allegations of such a violation shall be the powers1 remedies1 and procedures this ,act provides to address allegations of such practice4 7,c7 ,damages ,the powers1 remedies1 and procedures provided in section #aigg;,a of the ,revised ,statutes 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aiha;a71 including the limitations contained in subsection 7b77#c7 of such section #aigg;,a1 for purposes of addressing allegations of such a violation1 shall be the powers1 remedies1 and procedures this ,act provides to address any allegation of such practice 7not an employment practice specifically excluded from coverage under section #aigg;,a7a77#a7 of the ,revised ,statutes 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aiha;a7a77#a7774 7#c7 ,employees covered by chapter #e of title #c1 united states code 7,a7 ,in general ,the powers1 remedies1 and procedures provided in chapter #e of title #c1 ,united ,states ,code1 to the ,president1 the ,commission1 the ,merit ,systems ,protection ,board1 or any person alleging a violation of section #daa7;a77#a7 of such title shall be the powers1 remedies1 and procedures this ,act provides to the ,president1 the ,commission1 the ,board1 or any person1 respectively1 alleging an unlawful practice in violation of subsection 7a7 or 7c7 of section #cjc against an employee described in section #cjb7e77;,c71 except as provided in subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c7 of this paragraph4 7,b7 ,costs and fees ,the powers1 remedies1 and procedures provided in subsections 7b7 and 7c7 of section #gbb of the ,revised ,statutes 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aihh7 shall be the powers1 remedies1 and procedures this ,act provides to the ,president1 the ,commission1 the ,board1 or any person alleging such practice4 7,c7 ,damages ,the powers1 remedies1 and procedures provided in section #aigg;,a of the ,revised ,statutes 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aiha;a71 including the limitations contained in subsection 7b77#c7 of such section #aigg;,a1 shall be the powers1 remedies1 and procedures this ,act provides to the ,president1 the ,commission1 the ,board1 or any person alleging such practice 7not an employment practice specifically excluded from coverage under section #aigg;,a7a77#a7 of the ,revised ,statutes 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aiha;a7a77#a7774 7#d7 ,employees covered by government employee rights act of #aiia 7,a7 ,in general ,the powers1 remedies1 and procedures provided in sections #cjb and #cjd of the ,government ,employee ,rights ,act of #aiia 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;e-#af;b2 #bjjj;e-#af;c7 to the ,commission or any person alleging a violation of section #cjb7;a77#a7 of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;e-#af;b7a77#a77 shall be the powers1 remedies1 and procedures this ,act provides to the ,commission or any person1 respectively1 alleging an unlawful practice in violation of subsection 7a7 or 7c7 of section #cjc against an employee described in section #cjb7e77;,d71 except as provided in subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c7 of this paragraph4 7,b7 ,costs and fees ,the powers1 remedies1 and procedures provided in subsections 7b7 and 7c7 of section #gbb of the ,revised ,statutes 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aihh7 shall be the powers1 remedies1 and procedures this ,act provides to the ,commission or any person alleging such practice4 7,c7 ,damages ,the powers1 remedies1 and procedures provided in section #aigg;,a of the ,revised ,statutes 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aiha;a71 including the limitations contained in subsection 7b77#c7 of such section #aigg;,a1 shall be the powers1 remedies1 and procedures this ,act provides to the ,commission or any person alleging such practice 7not an employment practice specifically excluded from coverage under section #aigg;,a7a77#a7 of the ,revised ,statutes 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aiha;a7a77#a7774 7#e7 ,employees covered by section #gag of the civil rights act of #aifd 7,a7 ,in general ,the powers1 remedies1 and procedures provided in section #gag of the ,civil ,rights ,act of #aifd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;e-#af7 to the ,commission1 the ,attorney ,general1 the ,librarian of ,congress1 or any person alleging a violation of that section shall be the powers1 remedies1 and procedures this ,act provides to the ,commission1 the ,attorney ,general1 the ,librarian of ,congress1 or any person1 respectively1 alleging an unlawful practice in violation of subsection 7a7 or 7c7 of section #cjc against an employee described in section #cjb7e77;,e71 except as provided in subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c7 of this paragraph4 7,b7 ,costs and fees ,the powers1 remedies1 and procedures provided in subsections 7b7 and 7c7 of section #gbb of the ,revised ,statutes 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aihh7 shall be the powers1 remedies1 and procedures this ,act provides to the ,commission1 the ,attorney ,general1 the ,librarian of ,congress1 or any person alleging such practice4 7,c7 ,damages ,the powers1 remedies1 and procedures provided in section #aigg;,a of the ,revised ,statutes 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aiha;a71 including the limitations contained in subsection 7b77#c7 of such section #aigg;,a1 shall be the powers1 remedies1 and procedures this ,act provides to the ,commission1 the ,attorney ,general1 the ,librarian of ,congress1 or any person alleging such practice 7not an employment practice specifically excluded from coverage under section #aigg;,a7a77#a7 of the ,revised ,statutes 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aiha;a7a77#a7774 7b7 ,discrimination by a public agency 7#a7 ,in ,general ,any public agency that violates section #cjc7;b7 shall be liable to any individual affected-- 7,a7 for damages equal to-- 7i7 the value of the benefits denied1 reduced1 or terminated for such individual by reason of the violation1 or in a case in which benefits have not been denied1 reduced1 or terminated for the individual1 any actual monetary losses sustained by the individual as a direct result of the violation2 and 7ii7 punitive damages of not more than #ajj1jjj2 and 7,b7 for such equitable relief as may be appropriate4 7#b7 ,right of action ,an action to recover the damages or equitable relief prescribed in paragraph 7#a7 may be maintained against any public agency in any ,federal or ,state court of competent jurisdiction by any one or more affected individuals for and on behalf of-- 7,a7 the individuals2 or 7,b7 the individuals and other individuals similarly situated4 7#c7 ,fees and costs ,the court in such an action shall1 in addition to any judgment awarded to the plaintiff1 allow a reasonable attorney's fee1 reasonable expert witness fees1 and other costs of the action to be paid by the defendant4 #cje4 ,rulemaking 7a7 ,,eeoc rulemaking ,the ,commission shall issue regulations1 to carry out this title4 7b7 ,,ocwr rulemaking 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #f months after the ,commission issues regulations under subsection 7a71 the ,board shall 7in accordance with section #cjd of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #achd771 subject to paragraph 7#b71 issue regulations to implement the provisions of this title made applicable to employees described in section #cjb7e77;,b71 under section #cjd7;a77#b74 7#b7 ,exceptions ,section #cjd of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie shall be applied under paragraph 7#a7 by disregarding subsections 7b77#d7 and 7c7 of such section1 and the references in subsections 7d7 and 7e7 of such section to subsection 7c7 and approval4 7#c7 ,parallel with agency regulations ,the regulations issued under paragraph 7#a7 shall be the same as substantive regulations issued by the ,commission under subsection 7a7 except to the extent that the ,board may determine1 for good cause shown and stated together with the regulations issued under paragraph 7#a7 that a modification of such substantive regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protection under this title4 #cjf4 ,attorney's fees ,section #gbb7;b7 of the ,revised ,statutes 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aihh7;b77 is amended by inserting the ,survivors' ,employment ,sustainability ,act1 after title ,,vi of the ,civil ,rights ,act of #aifd14 ,,iv ,entitlement to unemployment compensation for victims of a qualifying act of violence #dja4 ,unemployment compensation for victims of a qualifying act of violence 7a7 ,in general ,section #ccjd of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf1 as previously amended by this title1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#ah71 by striking and at the end2 7,b7 by redesignating paragraph 7#ai7 as paragraph 7#bj72 and 7,c7 by inserting after paragraph 7#ah7 the following new paragraph3 7#ai7 an individual shall not be denied compensation under such ,state law solely on the basis of the individual having a voluntary separation from work if such separation is attributable to such individual being a victim of a qualifying act of violence2 and 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7g7 ,victims of a qualifying act of violence 7#a7 ,documentation ,for purposes of subsection 7a77#ai71 a voluntary separation of an individual shall be considered to be attributable to such individual being a victim of a qualifying act of violence if such individual submits such evidence as the ,state deems sufficient4 7#b7 ,sufficient documentation ,for purposes of paragraph 7#a71 a ,state shall deem sufficient-- 7,a7 evidence of such qualifying act of violence in the form of-- 7i7 a sworn statement and a form of identification2 7ii7 a police or court record2 7iii7 documentation from a professional from whom such individual has sought assistance1 including those associated with medical1 legal1 or religious professions or a victim services organization2 or 7iv7 any other documentation determined appropriate by the ,secretary of ,labor or the ,state2 and 7,b7 an attestation that such voluntary separation is attributable to such qualifying act of violence4 7#c7 ,qualifying act of violence1 victim of a qualifying act of violence1 and victim services organization defined 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 in this section1 the terms qualifying act of violence1 victim of a qualifying act of violence1 and victim services organization have the meaning given such terms in section #c of the ,,safe for ,survivors ,act of #bjbf1 except that if the corresponding paragraph for any such term is amended after the date of enactment of this subsection1 such amendment shall not apply for the purpose of this section until the earlier of-- 7i7 the date the ,state changes its statutes1 regulations1 or policies in order to comply with such amendment2 or 7ii7 the date that is #b years after the date of enactment of such amendment4 7,b7 ,states may apply broader definition ,a ,state may adopt a broader definition of any term under subparagraph 7,a74 4 7b7 ,unemployment compensation personnel training ,section #cjc7;a7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ejc7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#d7 through 7#ab7 as paragraphs 7#e7 through 7#ac71 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#c7 the following new paragraph3 7#d7 ,such methods of administration as will ensure that-- 7,a7 applicants for unemployment compensation and individuals inquiring about such compensation are adequately notified of the provisions of subsections 7a77#ai7 and 7g7 of section #ccjd of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf 7relating to the availability of unemployment compensation for victims of a qualifying act of violence72 and 7,b7 claims reviewers and hearing personnel are adequately trained in-- 7i7 the nature and dynamics of a qualifying act of violence 7as those terms are defined in subsection 7g7 of such section #ccjd72 and 7ii7 methods of ascertaining and keeping confidential information about possible experiences of a qualifying act of violence 7as so defined7 to ensure that-- 7,i7 requests for unemployment compensation based on separations stemming from a qualifying act of violence 7as so defined7 are reliably screened1 identified1 and adjudicated2 and 7,,ii7 full confidentiality is provided for the individual's claim and submitted evidence2 and 4 7c7 ,qualifying act of violence training grant program 7#a7 ,grant authorized ,the ,secretary of ,labor 7in this subsection referred to as the ,secretary7 is authorized to award a grant to a national1 ,state1 or local victim services organization in order for such organization to-- 7,a7 develop and disseminate a model training program 7and related materials7 for the training required under section #cjc7;a77#d77;,b7 of the ,social ,security ,act1 as added by subsection 7b72 and 7,b7 provide technical assistance with respect to such model training program4 7#b7 ,application ,a national1 ,state1 or local victim services organization seeking a grant under this subsection shall submit an application to the ,secretary at such time1 in such form and manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary specifies4 7#c7 ,reports 7,a7 ,reports to ,congress ,the ,secretary shall annually submit a report to ,congress on the grant program established under this subsection4 7,b7 ,reports available to public ,the ,secretary shall establish procedures for the dissemination to the public of each report submitted under subparagraph 7,a74 ,such procedures shall include the use of the internet to disseminate such reports4 7#d7 ,authorization of appropriations 7,a7 ,authorization ,there are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year #bjbg such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of paragraph 7#a74 7,b7 ,three-year availability of grant funds ,the recipient of a grant under paragraph 7#a7 shall return to the ,secretary any unused portion of such grant not later than #c years after the date the grant was awarded1 together with any earnings on such unused portion4 7d7 ,effect on existing laws1 etc 7#a7 ,more protective laws1 agreements1 programs1 and plans ,nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede any provision of any ,federal1 ,state1 or local law1 collective bargaining agreement1 or employment benefits program or plan that provides greater unemployment insurance benefits for victims of a qualifying act of violence than the rights established under this section4 7#b7 ,less protective laws1 agreements1 programs1 and plans ,the rights established for victims of a qualifying act of violence under this section shall not be diminished by any more restrictive ,state or local law1 collective bargaining agreement1 or employment benefits program or plan4 7e7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by subsections 7a7 and 7b7 shall apply to weeks of unemployment beginning on or after the earlier of-- 7#a7 the date the ,state changes its statutes1 regulations1 or policies in order to comply with such amendments2 or 7#b7 ,january #a1 #bjbi4 ,v ,insurance protections and support for victims of a qualifying act of violence ,a ,insurance protections #eja4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,abuser ,the term abuser means the individual who commits a qualifying act of violence4 7#b7 ,insured ,the term insured means a party named on a policy1 certificate1 or health benefit plan1 including an individual1 a corporation1 a partnership1 an association1 an unincorporated organization1 or any similar entity1 as the person with legal rights to the benefits provided by the policy1 certificate1 or health benefit plan4 ,for group insurance1 the term includes a person who is a beneficiary covered by a group policy1 certificate1 or health benefit plan4 ,for life insurance1 the term refers to the person whose life is covered under an insurance policy4 7#c7 ,insurer ,the term insurer means any person1 reciprocal exchange1 inter insurer1 ,lloyds insurer1 fraternal benefit society1 or other legal entity engaged in the business of insurance1 including agents1 brokers1 adjusters1 and third-party administrators4 ,the term includes employers who provide or make available employment benefits through an employee benefit plan1 as defined in section #c7c7 of the ,employee ,retirement ,income ,security ,act of #aigd 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb7c774 ,the term also includes health insurance issuers1 as defined by section #bgia7;b7 of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjj;gg-#ia7;b771 health benefit plans1 and life1 disability1 and property and casualty insurers4 7#d7 ,policy ,the term policy means a contract of insurance1 certificate1 indemnity1 suretyship1 or annuity issued1 proposed for issuance1 or intended for issuance by an insurer1 including endorsements or riders to an insurance policy or contract4 #ejb4 ,discriminatory acts prohibited 7a7 ,in general ,no insurer may1 directly or indirectly1 engage in any of the following acts or practices on the basis that the applicant or insured1 or any person employed by the applicant or insured or with whom the applicant or insured is known to have a relationship or association1 is1 has been1 or may be a victim of a qualifying act of violence or has incurred or may incur claims related to a qualifying act of violence3 7#a7 ,denying1 refusing to issue1 renew1 or reissue1 or canceling or otherwise terminating an insurance policy or health benefit plan4 7#b7 ,restricting1 excluding1 or limiting insurance coverage for losses or denying a claim1 except as otherwise permitted or required by ,state laws relating to life insurance beneficiaries4 7#c7 ,adding a premium differential to any insurance policy or health benefit plan4 7b7 ,prohibition on limitation of claims ,no insurer may1 directly or indirectly1 deny or limit payment to an insured who is a victim of a qualifying act of violence if the claim for payment is a result of such qualifying act of violence4 7c7 ,prohibition on termination 7#a7 ,in general ,no insurer may terminate health coverage for a victim of a qualifying act of violence because coverage was originally issued in the name of the abuser and the abuser has divorced1 separated from1 or lost custody of the victim or the victim's coverage has terminated voluntarily or involuntarily and the victim does not qualify for an extension of coverage under part #f of subtitle ,b of title ,i of the ,employee ,retirement ,income ,security ,act of #aigd 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #aafa et seq47 or section #dihj;,b of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 7#b7 ,payment of premiums ,nothing in paragraph 7#a7 shall be construed to prohibit the insurer from requiring that the victim of a qualifying act of violence pay the full premium for the victim's coverage under the health plan if the requirements are applied to all insured of the insurer4 7#c7 ,exception ,an insurer may terminate group coverage to which this subsection applies after the continuation coverage period required by this subsection has been in force for #ah months if it offers conversion to an equivalent individual plan4 7#d7 ,continuation coverage ,the continuation of health coverage required by this subsection shall be satisfied by any extension of coverage under part #f of subtitle ,b of title ,i of the ,employee ,retirement ,income ,security ,act of #aigd 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #aafa et seq47 or section #dihj;,b of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf provided to a victim of domestic violence1 dating violence1 sexual assault1 or stalking and is not intended to be in addition to any extension of coverage otherwise provided for under such part #f or section #dihj;,b4 7d7 ,use of information 7#a7 ,limitation 7,a7 ,in general ,in order to protect the safety and privacy of victims of qualifying acts of violence1 no person employed by or contracting with an insurer or health benefit plan may 7without the consent of the victim7-- 7i7 use1 disclose1 or transfer information relating to the status of a victim of a qualifying act of violence as such a victim1 a qualifying act of violence1 medical conditions related to a qualifying act of violence1 or the applicant's or insured's status as a family member1 employer1 associate1 or person in a relationship with a victim of a qualifying act of violence for any purpose unrelated to the direct provision of health care services unless such use1 disclosure1 or transfer is required by an order of an entity with authority to regulate insurance or an order of a court of competent jurisdiction2 or 7ii7 disclose or transfer information relating to an applicant's or insured's mailing address or telephone number or the mailing address and telephone number of a shelter for victims of a qualifying act of violence1 unless such disclosure or transfer-- 7,i7 is required in order to provide insurance coverage2 and 7,,ii7 does not have the potential to endanger the safety of a victim of a qualifying act of violence4 7,b7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this paragraph may be construed to limit or preclude a victim of a qualifying act of violence from obtaining the victim's own insurance records from an insurer4 7#b7 ,authority of victims ,a victim of a qualifying act of violence1 at the absolute discretion of the victim1 may provide evidence of a qualifying act of violence to an insurer for the limited purpose of facilitating treatment of a condition related to such qualifying act of violence or demonstrating that a condition is related to such qualifying act of violence4 ,nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as authorizing an insurer to disregard such provided evidence4 #ejc4 ,insurance protocols for victims of a qualifying act of violence ,each insurer shall develop and adhere to written policies specifying procedures to be followed by employees1 contractors1 producers1 agents1 and brokers for the purpose of protecting the safety and privacy of a victim of a qualifying act of violence and otherwise implementing this subtitle when taking an application1 investigating a claim1 or taking any other action relating to a policy or claim involving a victim of a qualifying act of violence4 #ejd4 ,reasons for adverse actions ,an insurer that takes an action that adversely affects a victim of a qualifying act of violence shall advise the applicant or insured who is the victim of a qualifying act of violence of the specific reasons for the action in writing4 ,for purposes of this section1 reference to general underwriting practices or guidelines shall not constitute a specific reason4 #eje4 ,life insurance ,nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to prohibit a life insurer from declining to issue a life insurance policy if the applicant or prospective owner of the policy is or would be designated as a beneficiary of the policy1 and if-- 7#a7 the applicant or prospective owner of the policy lacks an insurable interest in the insured2 or 7#b7 the applicant or prospective owner of the policy is known1 on the basis of police or court records1 to have committed a qualifying act of violence against the proposed insured4 #ejf4 ,subrogation without consent prohibited ,subrogation of claims resulting from a qualifying act of violence is prohibited without the informed consent of the victim of a qualifying act of violence4 #ejg4 ,enforcement 7a7 ,federal ,trade ,commission ,any act or practice prohibited by this subtitle shall be treated as an unfair and deceptive act or practice pursuant to section #e of the ,federal ,trade ,commission ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #de7 and the ,federal ,trade ,commission shall enforce this subtitle in the same manner1 by the same means1 and with the same jurisdiction1 powers1 and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the ,federal ,trade ,commission ,act were incorporated into and made a part of this subtitle1 including issuing a cease and desist order granting any individual relief warranted under the circumstances1 including temporary1 preliminary1 and permanent injunctive relief and compensatory damages4 7b7 ,private cause of action 7#a7 ,in general ,an applicant or insured who believes that the applicant or insured has been adversely affected by an act or practice of an insurer in violation of this subtitle may maintain an action against the insurer in a ,federal or ,state court of original jurisdiction4 7#b7 ,relief ,upon proof of such conduct by a preponderance of the evidence in an action described in paragraph 7#a71 the court may award appropriate relief1 including temporary1 preliminary1 and permanent injunctive relief and compensatory and punitive damages1 as well as the costs of suit and reasonable fees for the aggrieved individual's attorneys and expert witnesses4 7#c7 ,statutory damages ,with respect to compensatory damages in an action described in paragraph 7#a71 the aggrieved individual may elect1 at any time prior to the rendering of final judgment1 to recover in lieu of actual damages1 an award of statutory damages in the amount of #e1jjj for each violation4 #ejh4 ,applicability ,this subtitle shall apply with respect to any action taken after the enactment of this ,act4 ,b ,supporting and empowering victims #eaa4 ,qualifying acts of violence education and information programs for victims 7a7 ,public education program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,labor1 in conjunction with the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services 7through the ,director of the ,centers for ,disease ,control and ,prevention and the grant recipient carrying out the ,national ,resource ,center on ,domestic ,violence7 and the ,attorney ,general 7through the ,principal ,deputy ,director of the ,office on ,violence ,against ,women71 shall coordinate and provide for a national public outreach and education campaign1 including culturally appropriate materials1 to raise public awareness of qualifying acts of violence1 including outreach and education for employers1 service providers1 teachers1 and other key partners4 7#b7 ,dissemination ,the ,secretary of ,labor1 in conjunction with the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services and the ,attorney ,general1 as described in paragraph 7#a71 may disseminate information through the public outreach and education campaign on the resources and rights referred to in this subsection directly or through arrangements with health agencies1 professional and nonprofit organizations1 consumer groups1 labor organizations1 institutions of higher education1 clinics1 the media1 and ,federal1 ,state1 and local agencies4 7#c7 ,information ,the information disseminated under paragraph 7#b7 shall include1 at a minimum1 a description of-- 7,a7 the resources and rights that are-- 7i7 available to victims of qualifying acts of violence2 and 7ii7 established in this ,act and the ,violence ,against ,women ,act of #aiid 7#cd ,u4,s4,c4 #abbia et seq472 7,b7 guidelines and best practices on prevention of qualifying acts of violence2 7,c7 resources that promote healthy relationships and communication skills2 7,d7 resources that encourage bystander intervention in a situation involving qualifying acts of violence2 7,e7 resources that promote workplace policies that support and help maintain the economic security of victims of qualifying acts of violence2 and 7,f7 resources and rights that the heads of ,federal agencies described in paragraph 7#b7 determine are appropriate to include4 7b7 ,information program for employers 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,labor and the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 in consultation with major women's advocacy groups and medical and public health organizations1 shall develop and disseminate to employers information on the entitlement of victims of a qualifying act of violence to safe leave under title ,,ii4 7#b7 ,information ,the information disseminated under paragraph 7#a7 shall include1 at a minimum-- 7,a7 information describing employers' responsibilities and employees' rights under title ,,ii2 7,b7 recommendations for carrying out those responsibilities and providing for those rights2 7,c7 recommendations for supporting employees when the employees seek safe leave under title ,,ii2 7,d7 information on best practices for supporting victims of a qualifying act of violence2 7,e7 information on best practices for preventing qualifying acts of violence2 and 7,f7 information explaining how to obtain additional copies of the information developed under paragraph 7#a7 for distribution to the employees4 7c7 ,study on workplace responses ,the ,secretary of ,labor1 in conjunction with the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 shall conduct a study on the status of workplace responses to employees who experience a qualifying act of violence while employed1 in each ,state and nationally1 to improve the access of victims of a qualifying act of violence to supportive resources and economic security4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section1 such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years #bjbg through #bjca4 #eab4 ,investing in public health infrastructure to improve support for victims ,section #cjc7;c7 of the ,family ,violence ,prevention and ,services ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ajdjc7;c77 is amended by striking #cad and all that follows and inserting #cad #ae1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbg through #bjca44 ,,vi ,severability #fja4 ,severability ,if any provision of this ,act1 any amendment made by this ,act1 or the application of such provision or amendment to any person or circumstance is held to be unconstitutional1 the remainder of the provisions of this ,act1 the amendments made by this ,act1 and the application of such provisions or amendments to any person or circumstance shall not be affected4