Oregon Passes Bill to Allow DV Victims to Obtain Unemployment Insurance

Oregon Legislature passed a bill allowing domestic violence victims to obtain unemployment benefits more easily. House Bill 2662, sponsored by Rep. Paul Holvey, D-Eugene won unanimous approval by the Senate, following House approval last month. The bill would ensure that abuse victims could obtain unemployment insurance if they must leave work in order to protect their health, safety or welfare or that of their children. They would have to make their case to the Employment Department, the Employment Appeals Board or administrative law judges. The bill has the backing of the Oregon Alliance to End Violence Against Women and an advisory council to the state Employment Department, made up of representatives from workers and employers. Gov. Ted Kulongoski is expected to sign the bill into law.