Security and Financial Empowerment Act of 2017

To promote the economic security and safety of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Security and Financial Empowerment Act of 2017 (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Findings. TITLE I—Reauthorization of National Resource Center grants on workplace responses to assist survivors of domestic and sexual violence Sec. 101. Grant program reauthorization. TITLE II—Safe leave for addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking Sec. 201. Definitions. Sec. 202. Entitlement to safe leave for addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Sec. 203. Existing leave usable for addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Sec. 204. Emergency benefits. Sec. 205. Rule of construction. Sec. 206. Regulations. TITLE III—Survivors’ employment sustainability Sec. 301. Short title. Sec. 302. Prohibited discriminatory acts. Sec. 303. Enforcement. Sec. 304. Regulations. Sec. 305. Attorney’s fees. TITLE IV—Entitlement to unemployment compensation for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking Sec. 401. Unemployment compensation and training provisions. TITLE V—Insurance protections and support for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking Subtitle A—Insurance protections Sec. 501. Definitions. Sec. 502. Discriminatory acts prohibited. Sec. 503. Insurance protocols for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Sec. 504. Reasons for adverse actions. Sec. 505. Life insurance. Sec. 506. Subrogation without consent prohibited. Sec. 507. Enforcement. Sec. 508. Applicability. Subtitle B—Supporting and empowering survivors Sec. 511. Study and reports on barriers to survivors’ economic security access. Sec. 512. Domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking education and information programs for survivors. Sec. 513. Investing in public health infrastructure to improve support for survivors. Sec. 514. Financial literacy and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. TITLE VI—Severability Sec. 601. Severability. 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) Over 1 in 3 women experience sexual violence, and 1 in 5 women have survived completed or attempted rape. Such violence has a devastating impact on women’s physical and emotional health, financial security, and ability to maintain their jobs, and thus impacts interstate commerce and economic security. (2) 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 partner. Domestic violence can include physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. Domestic violence includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound an individual. (3) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that domestic violence or intimate partner violence is a serious public health issue for millions of individuals in the United States. Nearly one in four women and one in nine men in the United States have suffered sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner. (4) Homicide is the one of the leading causes of death for women on the job. Domestic partners or relatives commit 43 percent of workplace homicides against women. One study found that intimate partner violence resulted in 142 homicides among women at work in the United States from 2003 to 2008, a figure which represents 22 percent of the 648 workplace homicides among women during the period. In fact, in 2010, homicides against women at work increased by 13 percent despite continuous declines in overall workplace homicides in recent years. (5) Women in the United States are 11 times more likely to be murdered with guns than women in other high-income countries. Female intimate partners are more likely to be murdered with a firearm than all other means combined. The presence of a gun in domestic violence situations increases the risk of homicide for women by 500 percent. (6) Violence can have a dramatic impact on the survivor of such violence. Studies indicate that 44 percent of surveyed employed adults experienced the effect of domestic violence in the workplace, and 64 percent indicated their workplace performance was affected. Another recent survey found that 78 percent of offenders used workplace resources to express anger, check up on, pressure, or threaten a survivor Sexual assault, whether occurring in or out of the workplace, can impair an employee’s work performance, require time away from work, and undermine the employee’s ability to maintain a job. Nearly 50 percent of sexual assault survivors lose their jobs or are forced to quit in the aftermath of the assaults. (7) Studies find that 60 percent of single women lack economic security and 81 percent of households with single mothers live in economic insecurity. Significant barriers survivors confront include housing, transportation, and child care. Ninety-two percent of homeless women have experienced domestic violence, and more than 50 percent cite domestic violence as the direct cause for homelessness. Survivors are deprived of their autonomy, liberty, and security, and face tremendous threats to their health and safety. (8) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that survivors of severe intimate partner violence lose nearly 8,000,000 days of paid work, which is the equivalent of more than 32,000 full-time jobs and almost 5,600,000 days of household productivity each year. Therefore, women disproportionately need time off to care for their health or to find safety solutions, such as obtaining a restraining order or finding housing, to avoid or prevent further violence. (9) Annual costs of intimate partner violence are estimated over $8,300,000,000. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the costs of intimate partner violence against women in 1995 exceeded an estimated $5,800,000,000. These costs included nearly $4,100,000,000 in the direct costs of medical and mental health care and nearly $1,800,000,000 in the indirect costs of lost productivity. These statistics are generally considered to be underestimated because the costs associated with the criminal justice system are not included. (10) Fifty-five percent of senior executives recently surveyed said domestic violence has a harmful effect on their company’s productivity, and more than 70 percent said domestic violence negatively affects attendance. Seventy-eight percent of human resources professionals consider partner violence a workplace issue. However, more than 70 percent of United States workplaces have no formal program or policy that addresses workplace violence, let alone domestic violence. In fact, only four percent of employers provided training on domestic violence. (11) 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 independence. However, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking often negatively impact a survivor’s ability to maintain employment. (12) Abusers frequently seek to exert financial control over their partners by actively interfering with their ability to work, including preventing their partners from going to work, harassing their partners at work, limiting their partners’ access to cash or transportation, and sabotaging their partners’ child care arrangements. (13) Economic abuse refers to behaviors that control an intimate partner’s ability to acquire, use, and maintain access to, money, credit, ownership of assets, or access to governmental or private financial benefits, including, but not limited to defaulting on joint obligations (e.g. school loans, credit card debt, mortgage/rent). Other forms may include preventing someone from attending school, threatening to or actually terminating employment, controlling or withholding access to cash, checking, or credit accounts, attempts to damage or sabotage an intimate partner’s creditworthiness, including forcing a survivor to write bad checks, including forcing a survivor to default on payments related to household needs, such as housing, or forcing a survivor into bankruptcy. (14) The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ( Public Law 111–148 (15) Yet, more can be done to help survivors. Federal law in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act does not explicitly— (A) authorize survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to take leave from work to seek legal assistance and redress, counseling, or assistance with safety planning activities; (B) address the eligibility of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking for unemployment compensation; (C) provide job protection to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; (D) prohibit insurers and employers who self-insure employee benefits from discriminating against survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking and those who help them in determining eligibility, rates charged, and standards for payment of claims; or (E) prohibit insurers from disclosing information about abuse and the location of the survivors through insurance databases and other means. (16) October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. (17) This Act aims to empower survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to be free from violence, hardship, and control, which restrains basic human rights to freedom and safety in the United States. I Reauthorization of National Resource Center grants on workplace responses to assist survivors of domestic and sexual violence 101. Grant program reauthorization (a) Information and assistance to survivor service providers and community organizations Section 41501(a) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 ( 42 U.S.C. 14043f(a) , and to survivor services organizations (as defined in section 201 of the Security and Financial Empowerment Act of 2017 (b) Administrative provisions Section 41501 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 ( 42 U.S.C. 14043f (g) Administrative Costs (1) In general From the amount appropriated pursuant to subsection (e) for each fiscal year, the Attorney General shall not use more than 2.5 percent for the administration and monitoring of grants made available under this section. (2) Evaluations From the amount appropriated pursuant to subsection (e) for each fiscal year, the Director shall not use more than 5 percent to award contracts or cooperative agreements to entities with demonstrated expertise in program evaluation, to evaluate programs under this section. . II Safe leave for addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking 201. Definitions As used in this title, the following definitions apply: (1) Domestic violence; dating violence; sexual assault; stalking The terms domestic violence dating violence sexual assault stalking 42 U.S.C. 13925 (2) Domestic partner (A) In general The term domestic partner (B) Committed relationship defined The term committed relationship (3) Employ; State The terms employ State 29 U.S.C. 203 (4) Employee (A) In general The term employee 29 U.S.C. 203(e)(2) (B) Basis The term includes a person employed as described in subparagraph (A) on a full- or part-time basis, for a fixed time period, on a temporary basis, pursuant to a detail, or as a participant in a work assignment as a condition of receipt of Federal or State income-based public assistance. (5) Employer The term employer (A) means any person engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce who employs 15 or more individuals; and (B) includes any person acting directly or indirectly in the interest of an employer in relation to an employee, and includes a public agency that employs individuals as described in section 3(e)(2) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, but does not include any labor organization (other than when acting as an employer) or anyone acting in the capacity of officer or agent of such labor organization. (6) Employment benefits The term employment benefits employee benefit plan Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 29 U.S.C. 1002(3) (7) Family or household member The term family or household member (A) is a son or daughter, parent, spouse, domestic partner, or any other individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with the person is the equivalent of a family relationship; and (B) is not the abuser (as defined in section 501) involved. (8) Person The term person Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 29 U.S.C. 203 (9) Public agency The term public agency Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 29 U.S.C. 203 (10) Public assistance The term public assistance 7 U.S.C. 2013 (11) Survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking The term survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (A) a person who has experienced or is experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and (B) a person whose family or household member has experienced or is experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. (12) Survivor services organization The term survivor services organization 202. Entitlement to safe leave for addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (a) Safe leave generally An employer shall provide each employee employed by the employer not less than 30 days of safe leave in a 12-month period. The leave may be unpaid leave, unless the employee uses paid leave from the portion earned under subsection (b) or substitutes leave under section 203. An employee may take not more than a total of 30 days of safe leave in a 12-month period under this section, including the portion of the leave described in subsection (b), in addition to any leave taken (directly or indirectly) under title I of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 ( 29 U.S.C. 2611 chapter 63 (b) Safe leave (1) In general As a portion of the 30 days of safe leave described in subsection (a), the employer shall provide each employee employed by the employer not less than one hour of earned paid safe leave for every 30 hours worked, to be used as described in subsection (c). An employer shall not be required to permit an employee to earn, under this subsection, more than 56 hours of paid safe leave in a year, unless the employer chooses to set a higher limit. (2) Exempt employees (A) In general Except as provided in paragraph (3), for purposes of this subsection, an employee who is exempt from overtime requirements under section 13(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 ( 29 U.S.C. 213(a)(1) (B) Shorter normal workweek If the normal workweek of such an employee is less than 40 hours, the employee shall earn paid safe leave based upon that normal workweek. (3) Dates for beginning to earn paid safe leave and use Employees shall begin to earn paid safe leave under this subsection at the commencement of their employment. An employee shall be entitled to use the earned paid safe leave beginning on the 60th calendar day following commencement of the employee's employment. After that 60th calendar day, the employee may use the paid safe leave as the leave is earned. An employer may, at the discretion of the employer, loan paid safe leave to an employee for use by such employee in advance of the employee earning such safe leave as provided in this subsection and may permit use before the 60th day of employment. (4) Carryover (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), paid safe leave earned under this subsection shall carry over from one year to the next. (B) Construction This title shall not be construed to require an employer to permit an employee to earn more than 56 hours of earned paid safe leave at a given time. (5) Employers with existing policies Any employer with a paid leave policy who makes available an amount of safe paid leave that is sufficient to meet the requirements of this subsection and that may be used for the same purposes and under the same conditions as the purposes and conditions outlined in subsection (c) shall not be required to permit an employee to earn additional paid safe leave under this subsection. (6) Construction Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring financial or other reimbursement to an employee from an employer upon the employee’s termination, resignation, retirement, or other separation from employment for earned paid safe leave that has not been used. (7) Reinstatement If an employee is separated from employment with an employer and is rehired, within 12 months after that separation, by the same employer, the employer shall (in addition to providing unpaid safe leave in accordance with subsection (a)) reinstate the employee’s previously earned paid safe leave. 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 employer. (c) Uses Safe leave earned under this section may be used by an employee for an absence resulting from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, if the leave is to— (1) seek medical attention for the employee or the employee’s family or household member, to recover from physical or psychological injury or disability caused by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; (2) obtain or assist a family or household member in obtaining services from a survivor services organization; (3) obtain or assist a family or household member in obtaining behavioral health services or counseling; (4) participate in safety planning, temporary or permanent relocation, or taking other actions, to increase the safety of the employee or family or household member; or (5) take legal action, including preparing for or participating in any civil or criminal legal proceeding related to or resulting from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. (d) Procedures (1) Request Safe leave shall be provided upon the oral or written request of an employee. Such request shall— (A) include the expected duration of the period of such leave; and (B) be provided as soon as practicable after the employee is aware of the need for such period. (2) Scheduling An employee shall make a reasonable effort to schedule a period of safe leave under this title in a manner that does not unduly disrupt the operations of the employer, unless scheduling the period of leave in that manner is not practicable. (3) Certification (A) In general An employer may require that a request for safe leave under this section for a purpose described in subsection (c) be supported— (i) by any form of certification (but the employer may not specify the particular form of certification to be provided) consisting of— (I) a sworn statement of the employee or the family or household member, as the case may be; (II) a police report indicating that the employee, or a family or household member of the employee, was a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; (III) a court order protecting or separating the employee or a family or household member of the employee from the perpetrator of an act of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, 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 domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; (IV) documentation from an employee or volunteer working for a survivor services organization, an attorney, a police officer, a medical professional, a social worker, an antiviolence counselor, a member of the clergy, or another professional, affirming that the employee or a family or household member of the employee is a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; or (V) other corroborating evidence concerning the employee or family or household member; and (ii) if the survivor is the employee's family or household member, in order to verify the employee's relationship with the survivor, by information that may include a sworn statement of the employee, a birth certificate, a court document, or other corroborating evidence. (B) Survivor information protections (i) In general The certification shall state the reason that the safe leave is required with the facts to be disclosed limited to the minimum necessary to establish a need for the employee to be absent from work, and the employee shall not be required to explain the details of the domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking involved. (ii) Limitation on information requirements An employer may not require an employee, in order to obtain leave under this section, to produce, discuss with the employer, or provide— (I) any additional information, beyond the information enumerated in this subsection that establishes that the employee is eligible for leave under this section; or (II) any information that would compromise the safety of the employee or family or household member in any way. (C) Timeliness The employee shall provide a copy of such certification to the employer in a timely manner, not later than 30 days after the first day of the period of leave to the extent possible. The employer shall not delay the commencement of the period of leave on the basis that the employer has not yet received the certification. (4) Prohibition An employer may not require, as a condition of providing safe leave under this title, that the employee involved search for or find a replacement employee to cover the hours during which the employee is using safe leave. (e) Confidentiality; nondisclosure for survivors (1) Confidentiality All information provided to the employer pursuant to subsection (c) or (d), and the facts that the employee or family or household member is a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and the employee has requested or obtained safe leave pursuant to this section, shall be retained in the strictest confidence by the employer, except to the extent that disclosure is— (A) requested or consented to by the employee in writing; or (B) otherwise required by applicable Federal or State law. (2) Confidential communications The provision of any information under this section does not waive or diminish the confidential or privileged nature of communications between a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking with one or more of the individuals or entities providing information under subclause (II), (III), (IV), or (V) of clause (i), or clause (ii), of subsection (d)(3)(A). (3) Nondisclosure If an employer possesses health information about an employee or an employee’s family or household member, such information shall— (A) be maintained on a separate form and in a separate file from other personnel information; (B) be treated as a confidential medical record; and (C) not be disclosed except to the affected employee or with the written permission of the affected employee. (f) Employment and benefits (1) Restoration to position (A) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), any employee who takes leave under this section for the intended purpose of the leave shall be entitled, on return from such leave— (i) to be restored by the employer to the position of employment held by the employee when the leave commenced; or (ii) to be restored to an equivalent position with equivalent employment benefits, pay, and other terms and conditions of employment. (B) 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 commenced. (C) Limitations Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to entitle any restored employee to any accrual, right, benefit, or position described in section 104(a)(3) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 ( 29 U.S.C. 2614(a)(3) (D) 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 work. (2) Exemption concerning certain highly compensated employees (A) Denial of restoration An employer may deny restoration under paragraph (1) to any employee described in subparagraph (B) if— (i) such denial is necessary to prevent substantial and grievous economic injury to the operations of the employer; (ii) the employer notifies the employee of the intent of the employer to deny restoration on such basis at the time the employer determines that such injury would occur; and (iii) in any case in which the leave has commenced, the employee elects not to return to employment after receiving such notice. (B) Affected employees An employee referred to in subparagraph (A) is a salaried employee who is among the highest paid 10 percent of the employees employed by the employer within 75 miles of the facility at which the employee is employed. (3) Maintenance of health benefits (A) Coverage Except as provided in subparagraph (B), during any period that an employee takes leave under this section, the employer shall maintain coverage under any group health plan (meaning a group health plan as defined in section 5000(b)(1) 29 U.S.C. 1002(1) (B) Failure to return from leave The employer may recover the premium that the employer paid for maintaining coverage for the employee under such group health plan during any period of leave under this section if— (i) the employee fails to return from leave under this section after the period of leave to which the employee is entitled has expired; and (ii) the employee fails to return to work for a reason other than— (I) the continuation of, recurrence of, or onset of an episode of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, that entitles the employee to leave pursuant to this section; or (II) other circumstances beyond the control of the employee. (C) Certification (i) Issuance An employer may require an employee who claims that the employee is unable to return to work because of a reason described in subclause (I) or (II) of subparagraph (B)(ii) to provide, within a reasonable period after making the claim, certification to the employer that the employee is unable to return to work because of the circumstances that formed the basis for that claim. (ii) Contents An employee may satisfy the certification requirement of clause (i) by providing to the employer— (I) a sworn statement of the employee; (II) documentation from an employee, agent, or volunteer of a survivor services organization, an attorney, a member of the clergy, or a medical or other professional, from whom the employee or the employee's family or household member has sought assistance in addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, including the effects of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; (III) a police or court record; or (IV) other corroborating evidence. (D) Limitation on information requirements An employer may not require an employee, under subparagraph (C), to produce, discuss with the employer, or provide— (i) any additional information, beyond the information enumerated in this paragraph that establishes that the employee is unable to return as described in subparagraph (C)(i); or (ii) any information that would compromise the safety of the employee or family or household member in any way. (E) Confidentiality All information provided to the employer pursuant to subparagraph (C), including a statement of the employee or any other documentation, record, or corroborating evidence, and the fact that the employee is not returning to work because of a reason described in subclause (I) or (II) of subparagraph (B)(ii), shall be retained in the strictest confidence by the employer, except to the extent that disclosure is— (i) requested or consented to by the employee in writing; or (ii) otherwise required by applicable Federal or State law. (F) Confidential communications The provision of any information under this paragraph does not waive or diminish the confidential or privileged nature of communications between a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking with one or more of the individuals or entities providing information under subclause (II), (III), or (IV) of subparagraph (C)(ii). (g) Prohibited acts (1) Interference with rights Section 105(a) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 ( 29 U.S.C. 2615(a) (2) Interference with proceedings or inquiries Section 105(b) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 ( 29 U.S.C. 2615(b) (3) Public agency sanctions It shall be unlawful for any public agency to deny, reduce, or terminate the benefits of, or otherwise sanction any individual, or otherwise discriminate (including harassment or retaliation in any form or manner) against any individual with respect to the amount, terms, or conditions of public assistance of the individual, because the individual— (A) exercised or attempted to exercise any right provided under this section for the individual or the individual's family or household member; or (B) opposed any practice made unlawful by this section. (h) Enforcement (1) Civil action by affected individuals (A) Liability Any employer that violates subsection (g) shall be liable to any individual affected— (i) for damages equal to— (I) the amount of— (aa) any wages, salary, employment benefits, or other compensation denied or lost to such individual by reason of the violation; or (bb) in a case in which wages, salary, employment benefits, or other compensation has not been denied or lost to the individual, any actual monetary losses sustained by the individual as a direct result of the violation; (II) the interest on the amount described in subclause (I) calculated at the prevailing rate; and (III) an additional amount as liquidated damages equal to the sum of the amount described in subclause (I) and the interest described in subclause (II), except that if an employer that has violated subsection (g) proves to the satisfaction of the court that the act or omission that violated subsection (g) was in good faith and that the employer had reasonable grounds for believing that the act or omission was not a violation of subsection (g), such court may, in the discretion of the court, reduce the amount of the liability to the amount and interest determined under subclauses (I) and (II), respectively; and (ii) for such equitable relief as may be appropriate, including employment, reinstatement, and promotion. (B) Right of action An action to recover the damages or equitable relief prescribed in subparagraph (A) 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— (i) the individuals; or (ii) the individuals and other individuals similarly situated. (C) Fees and costs The court in such an action shall, in addition to any judgment awarded to the plaintiff, allow a reasonable attorney’s fee, reasonable expert witness fees, and other costs of the action to be paid by the defendant. (D) Limitations The right provided by subparagraph (B) to bring an action by or on behalf of any affected individual shall terminate— (i) on the filing of a complaint by the Secretary of Labor in an action under paragraph (4) in which restraint is sought of any further delay in the payment of the amount described in subparagraph (A)(i) to such individual by an employer responsible under subparagraph (A) for the payment; or (ii) on the filing of a complaint by the Secretary of Labor in an action under paragraph (2) in which a recovery is sought of the damages described in subparagraph (A)(i) owing to an affected individual by an employer liable under subparagraph (A), unless the action described in clause (i) or (ii) is dismissed without prejudice on motion of the Secretary of Labor. (2) Action by the Secretary of Labor (A) Administrative action The Secretary of Labor shall receive, investigate, and attempt to resolve complaints of violations of subsection (g) in the same manner as the Secretary of Labor receives, investigates, and attempts to resolve complaints of violations of sections 6 and 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 29 U.S.C. 206 (B) Civil action The Secretary of Labor may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction to recover the damages described in paragraph (1)(A)(i). (C) Sums recovered Any sums recovered by the Secretary of Labor pursuant to subparagraph (B) shall be held in a special deposit account and shall be paid, on order of the Secretary, directly to each individual affected. Any such sums not paid to such an individual because of inability to do so within a period of three years shall be deposited into the Treasury of the United States as miscellaneous receipts. (3) Limitation (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), an action may be brought under this subsection not later than two years after the date of the last event constituting the alleged violation for which the action is brought. (B) Willful violation In the case of such action brought for a willful violation of subsection (g), such action may be brought within three years after the date of the last event constituting the alleged violation for which such action is brought. (C) Commencement In determining when an action is commenced by the Secretary of Labor under this subsection for the purposes of this paragraph, it shall be considered to be commenced on the date when the complaint is filed. (4) Action for injunction by Secretary of Labor The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction, for cause shown, in an action brought by the Secretary of Labor— (A) to restrain violations of subsection (g), including the restraint of any withholding of payment of wages, salary, employment benefits, or other compensation, plus interest, found by the court to be due to affected individuals; or (B) to award such other equitable relief as may be appropriate, including employment, reinstatement, and promotion. (5) Solicitor of Labor The Solicitor of Labor may appear for and represent the Secretary of Labor on any litigation brought under this subsection. (6) Employer liability under other laws Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the liability of an employer or public agency to an individual, for harm suffered relating to the individual’s experience of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, pursuant to any other Federal or State law, including a law providing for a legal remedy. (7) Library of Congress Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, in the case of the Library of Congress, the authority of the Secretary of Labor under this subsection shall be exercised by the Librarian of Congress. (8) Certain public agency employers (A) Agencies Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, in the case of a public agency that employs individuals as described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 3(e)(2) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 29 U.S.C. 203(e)(2) (B) Authority In the case described in subparagraph (A), the powers, remedies, and procedures provided in the case of a violation of chapter 63 (9) Public agencies providing public assistance Consistent with regulations prescribed under section 206(d), the President shall ensure that any public agency that violates subsection (g)(3), or subsection (g)(2) by discriminating as described in subsection (g)(3), shall provide to any individual who receives a less favorable amount, term, or condition of public assistance as a result of the violation— (A) (i) the amount of any public assistance denied or lost to such individual by reason of the violation; and (ii) the interest on the amount described in clause (i), calculated at the prevailing rate; and (B) such equitable relief as may be appropriate. 203. Existing leave usable for addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking An employee who is entitled to take paid or unpaid leave (including family, medical, sick, annual, personal, or similar leave) from employment, pursuant to State or local law, a collective bargaining agreement, or an employment benefits program or plan, may elect to substitute any period of such leave for an equivalent period of leave provided under section 202. 204. Emergency benefits (a) In general A State may use funds provided to the State under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act 42 U.S.C. 601 (b) Eligibility (1) In general An individual who is eligible for assistance under the State program funded under that part and for leave under section 202 shall be eligible for such emergency benefits, except as provided in paragraph (2). (2) Calculation In calculating eligibility for such emergency benefits, the State shall count only the cash available or accessible to the individual. (c) Timing (1) Applications An individual seeking emergency benefits under subsection (a) from a State shall submit an application to the State. (2) Benefits The State shall provide benefits to an eligible applicant under paragraph (1) on an expedited basis, and not later than seven days after the applicant submits an application under paragraph (1). 205. Rule of construction (a) More protective laws, agreements, programs, and plans Nothing in this title shall be construed to supersede any provision of any Federal, State, or local law, collective bargaining agreement, or employment benefits program or plan that provides— (1) greater leave rights for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking than the rights established under this Act; or (2) leave benefits for a larger population of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (as defined in such law, agreement, program, or plan) than the survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking covered under this Act. (b) Less protective laws, agreements, programs, and plans The rights established for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking under this Act shall not be diminished by any State or local law, collective bargaining agreement, or employment benefits program or plan. 206. Regulations (a) In general (1) Authority to issue regulations Except as provided in subsections (b), (c), and (d), the Secretary of Labor shall issue regulations to carry out this title. (2) Regulations regarding notices The regulations described in paragraph (1) shall include regulations requiring every employer to post and keep posted, in conspicuous places on the premises of the employer where notices to employees are customarily placed, a notice, to be prepared or approved by the Secretary of Labor, summarizing the provisions of this title and providing information on procedures for filing complaints. The Secretary of Labor shall develop such a notice and provide copies to employers upon request without charge. (b) Library of Congress The Librarian of Congress shall prescribe the regulations described in subsection (a) with respect to employees of the Library of Congress. The regulations prescribed under this subsection shall, to the extent appropriate, be consistent with the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor under subsection (a). (c) Certain public agency employers The Office of Personnel Management shall prescribe the regulations described in subsection (a) with respect to individuals described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 3(e)(2) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 29 U.S.C. 203(e)(2) (d) Public agencies providing public assistance The President shall prescribe the regulations described in subsection (a) with respect to applicants for and recipients of public assistance, in the case of violations of section 202(g)(3), or section 202(g)(2) due to discrimination described in section 202(g)(3). The regulations prescribed under this subsection shall, to the extent appropriate, be consistent with the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor under subsection (a). III Survivors’ employment sustainability 301. Short title This title may be cited as the Survivors’ Employment Sustainability Act 302. Prohibited discriminatory acts (a) In general It shall be unlawful for an employer to fail or refuse to hire or discharge any individual, or otherwise discriminate (including harassment or retaliation in any form or manner) against any individual with respect to the compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment of the individual, and it shall be unlawful for a public agency to deny, reduce, or terminate the benefits of, or otherwise sanction any individual, or otherwise discriminate (including harassment or retaliation in any form or manner) against any individual with respect to the amount, terms, or conditions of public assistance of the individual, because— (1) the individual involved is or the employer or public agency involved perceives that individual to be a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or a survivor of communication of an intimate image of the individual; (2) that individual attended, participated in, prepared for, or requested leave to attend, participate in, or prepare for, a criminal or civil court proceeding relating to an incident that caused the individual to be a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or a survivor of communication of an intimate image of the individual; (3) that individual, in response to actual or threatened domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or actual or threatened communication of an intimate image of the individual, requested that the employer or public agency implement a reasonable safety procedure or a job-related modification to enhance the security of that individual or safeguard the workplace involved; or (4) the workplace is disrupted or threatened by the action of a person whom that individual states has committed or threatened to commit an act that caused or would cause the individual to be a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or a survivor of communication of an intimate image of the individual. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Communication of an intimate image The term communication of an intimate image (A) obtained the image under circumstances in which a reasonable person would know or understand that the image was to remain private; (B) knows or should have known that the depicted individual has not consented to the disclosure of the image; and (C) knows or reasonably should know that the disclosure would cause harm to the depicted individual. (2) Discriminate The term discriminate (3) Domestic violence; dating violence; sexual assault; stalking The terms domestic violence dating violence sexual assault stalking 42 U.S.C. 13925 (4) Intimate image The term intimate image (A) was taken in a private setting; (B) does not depict a matter of public concern; and (C) depicts— (i) sexual activity, including sexual intercourse or masturbation; or (ii) a person’s intimate body parts, whether nude or visible through less than opaque clothing. (5) Safe leave terms The terms employ employee employer employment benefits person public agency public assistance State survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (6) Undue hardship The term undue hardship 303. Enforcement (a) Civil action by individuals (1) Liability Any employer that violates section 302 shall be liable to any individual affected for— (A) damages equal to the amount of any wages, salary, employment benefits, or other compensation denied or lost to such individual by reason of the violation, and the interest on that amount calculated at the prevailing rate; (B) compensatory damages, including damages for future pecuniary losses, emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment or life, and other nonpecuniary losses; (C) such punitive damages, up to three times the amount of actual damages sustained, as the court described in paragraph (2) shall determine to be appropriate; and (D) such equitable relief as may be appropriate, including employment, reinstatement, and promotion. (2) Right of action An action to recover the damages or equitable relief prescribed in paragraph (1) may be maintained against any employer in any Federal or State court of competent jurisdiction by any one or more affected individuals described in section 302. (b) Action by secretary of labor The Secretary of Labor may bring a civil action in any Federal or State court of competent jurisdiction to recover the damages or equitable relief described in subsection (a)(1). (c) Library of Congress Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, in the case of the Library of Congress, the authority of the Secretary of Labor under this section shall be exercised by the Librarian of Congress. (d) Certain public agency employers (1) Agencies Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, in the case of a public agency that employs individuals as described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 3(e)(2) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 29 U.S.C. 203(e)(2) (2) Authority In the case described in paragraph (1), the powers, remedies, and procedures provided (in the case of a violation of section 2302(b)(1)(A) of title 5, United States Code) in title 5, United States Code, to an employing agency, the Office of Special Counsel, the Merit Systems Protection Board, or any person alleging a violation of such section 2302(b)(1)(A), shall be the powers, remedies, and procedures this section provides in the case of a violation of section 302 to that agency, that Office, that Board, or any person alleging a violation of section 302, respectively, concerning an employee who is an individual described in paragraph (1). (e) Public agencies providing public assistance Consistent with regulations prescribed under section 304(d), the President shall ensure that any public agency that violates section 302(a) by taking an action prohibited under section 302(a) with respect to the amount, terms, or conditions of public assistance, shall provide to any individual who receives a less favorable amount, term, or condition of public assistance as a result of the violation— (1) (A) the amount of any public assistance denied or lost to such individual by reason of the violation; and (B) the interest on the amount described in subparagraph (A), calculated at the prevailing rate; and (2) such equitable relief as may be appropriate. 304. Regulations (a) In general Except as provided in subsections (b), (c), and (d), the Secretary of Labor shall issue regulations to carry out this title. (b) Library of Congress The Librarian of Congress shall prescribe the regulations described in subsection (a) with respect to employees of the Library of Congress. The regulations prescribed under this subsection shall, to the extent appropriate, be consistent with the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor under subsection (a). (c) Certain public agency employers The Office of Personnel Management, after consultation with the Office of Special Counsel and the Merit Systems Protection Board, shall prescribe the regulations described in subsection (a) with respect to individuals described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 3(e)(2) of the Fair Labor Standards Act 29 U.S.C. 203(e)(2) (d) Public agencies providing public assistance The President shall prescribe the regulations described in subsection (a) with respect to applicants for and recipients of public assistance, in the case of violations of section 302(a) by a public agency due to taking an action prohibited under section 302(a) with respect to the amount, terms, or conditions of public assistance. The regulations prescribed under this subsection shall, to the extent appropriate, be consistent with the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor under subsection (a). 305. Attorney’s fees Section 722(b) of the Revised Statutes ( 42 U.S.C. 1988(b) the Survivors’ Employment Sustainability Act title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 IV Entitlement to unemployment compensation for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking 401. Unemployment compensation and training provisions (a) Unemployment compensation Section 3304 (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (18), by striking and (B) by redesignating paragraph (19) as paragraph (20); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (18) the following new paragraph: (19) compensation shall not be denied where an individual is separated from employment due to circumstances resulting from the individual being a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, nor shall States impose additional conditions that restrict the individual’s eligibility for or receipt of benefits beyond those required of other individuals who are forced to leave their jobs or are deemed to have good cause for voluntarily separating from a job in the State; and ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (g) Construction For purposes of subsection (a)(19)— (1) Documentation In determining eligibility for compensation due to circumstances resulting from an individual being a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking— (A) States shall adopt, or have adopted, by statute, regulation, or policy a list of forms of documentation that may be presented to demonstrate eligibility; and (B) presentation of any one of such forms of documentation shall be sufficient to demonstrate eligibility, except that a State may require the presentation of a form of identification in addition to the sworn statement of applicant described in paragraph (2)(A). (2) List of forms of documentation The list referred to in paragraph (1)(A) shall, at a minimum, include the following forms of documentation: (A) A sworn statement of the applicant. (B) A police or court record concerning the applicant. (C) Documentation from an employee or volunteer working for a survivor services organization, an attorney, a police officer, a medical professional, a social worker, an antiviolence counselor, a member of the clergy, or another professional, affirming that the applicant is a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. (3) Definitions The terms domestic violence dating violence sexual assault stalking survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking survivor services organization Security and Financial Empowerment Act of 2017 . (b) Unemployment compensation personnel training Section 303(a) of the Social Security Act 42 U.S.C. 503(a) (1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (12) as paragraphs (5) through (13), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph: (4) Such methods of administration as will ensure that— (A) applicants for unemployment compensation and individuals inquiring about such compensation are adequately notified of the provisions of subsections (a)(19) and (g) of section 3304 (B) claims reviewers and hearing personnel are adequately trained in— (i) the nature and dynamics of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (as such terms are defined in section 201 of the Security and Financial Empowerment Act of 2017 (ii) methods of ascertaining and keeping confidential information about possible experiences of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (as so defined) to ensure that— (I) requests for unemployment compensation based on separations stemming from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (as so defined) are reliably screened, identified, and adjudicated; and (II) full confidentiality is provided for the individual’s claim and submitted evidence; and . (c) TANF personnel training Section 402(a) of the Social Security Act 42 U.S.C. 602(a) (8) Certification that the State will provide information to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking A certification by the chief officer of the State that the State has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to— (A) ensure that applicants for assistance under the program and individuals inquiring about such assistance are adequately notified of— (i) the provisions of subsections (a)(19) and (g) of section 3304 (ii) assistance made available by the State to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (as defined in section 201 of the Security and Financial Empowerment Act of 2017 (B) ensure that case workers and other agency personnel responsible for administering the State program funded under this part are adequately trained in— (i) the nature and dynamics of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (as such terms are defined in section 201 of the Security and Financial Empowerment Act of 2017 (ii) State standards and procedures relating to the prevention of, and assistance for individuals who are survivors of, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (as so defined); and (iii) methods of ascertaining and keeping confidential information about possible experiences of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (as so defined); (C) if a State has elected to establish and enforce standards and procedures regarding the screening for, and identification of, domestic violence pursuant to paragraph (7), ensure that— (i) applicants for assistance under the program and individuals inquiring about such assistance are adequately notified of options available under such standards and procedures; and (ii) case workers and other agency personnel responsible for administering the State program funded under this part are provided with adequate training regarding such standards and procedures and options available under such standards and procedures; and (D) ensure that the training required under subparagraphs (B) and, if applicable, (C)(ii) is provided through a training program operated by an eligible entity (as defined in section 401(d)(2) of the Security and Financial Empowerment Act of 2017 . (d) Domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking training grant program (1) Grants authorized The Secretary of Labor (in this subsection referred to as the Secretary (A) a grant to a national survivor services organization in order for such organization to— (i) develop and disseminate a model training program (and related materials) for the training required under section 303(a)(4)(B) of the Social Security Act (ii) provide technical assistance with respect to such model training program; and (B) grants to State, tribal, or local agencies in order for such agencies to contract with eligible entities to provide State, tribal, or local case workers and other State, tribal, or local agency personnel responsible for administering the temporary assistance to needy families program established under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (2) Eligible entity defined For purposes of paragraph (1)(B), the term eligible entity (A) that is— (i) a State or tribal domestic violence coalition or sexual assault coalition; (ii) a State or local survivor services organization with recognized expertise in the dynamics of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking whose primary mission is to provide services to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, such as a rape crisis center or domestic violence program; or (iii) an organization with demonstrated expertise in State or county welfare laws and implementation of such laws and experience with disseminating information on such laws and implementation, but only if such organization will provide the required training in partnership with an entity described in clause (i) or (ii); and (B) that— (i) has demonstrated expertise in the dynamics of both domestic violence and sexual assault, such as a joint domestic violence and sexual assault coalition; or (ii) will provide the required training in partnership with an entity described in clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (A) in order to comply with the dual domestic violence and sexual assault expertise requirement under clause (i). (3) Application An entity seeking a grant under this subsection shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such form and manner, and containing such information as the Secretary specifies. (4) Reports (A) Reports to Congress The Secretary shall annually submit a report to Congress on the grant program established under this subsection. (B) Reports available to public The Secretary shall establish procedures for the dissemination to the public of each report submitted under subparagraph (A). Such procedures shall include the use of the Internet to disseminate such reports. (5) Authorization of appropriations (A) Authorization There are authorized to be appropriated— (i) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2018 to carry out the provisions of paragraph (1)(A); and (ii) $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2022 to carry out the provisions of paragraph (1)(B). (B) Three-year availability of grant funds Each recipient of a grant under this subsection shall return to the Secretary any unused portion of such grant not later than 3 years after the date the grant was awarded, together with any earnings on such unused portion. (C) Amounts returned Any amounts returned pursuant to subparagraph (B) shall be available without further appropriation to the Secretary for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of paragraph (1)(B). (e) Effect on existing laws, etc (1) More protective laws, agreements, programs, and plans Nothing in this title shall be construed to supersede any provision of any Federal, State, or local law, collective bargaining agreement, or employment benefits program or plan that provides greater unemployment insurance benefits for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking than the rights established under this title. (2) Less protective laws, agreements, programs, and plans The rights established for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking under this title shall not be diminished by any more restrictive State or local law, collective bargaining agreement, or employment benefits program or plan. (f) Effective date (1) Unemployment amendments (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B) and paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section shall apply in the case of compensation paid for weeks beginning on or after the expiration of 180 days from the date of enactment of this Act. (B) Extension of effective date for State law amendment (i) In general If the Secretary of Labor identifies a State as requiring a change to its statutes, regulations, or policies in order to comply with the amendments made by this section (excluding the amendment made by subsection (c)), such amendments shall apply in the case of compensation paid for weeks beginning after the earlier of— (I) the date the State changes its statutes, regulations, or policies in order to comply with such amendments; or (II) the end of the first session of the State legislature which begins after the date of enactment of this Act or which began prior to such date and remained in session for at least 25 calendar days after such date, except that in no case shall such amendments apply before the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (ii) Session defined In this subparagraph, the term session (2) TANF amendment (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the amendment made by subsection (c) shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act. (B) Extension of effective date for State law amendment In the case of a State plan under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (g) Definitions In this section, the terms domestic violence dating violence sexual assault stalking survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking survivor services organization V Insurance protections and support for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking A Insurance protections 501. Definitions In this title: (1) Abuser The term abuser (2) Dating violence; domestic violence; sexual assault; stalking The terms dating violence domestic violence sexual assault stalking (3) Insured The term insured (4) Insurer The term insurer Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 29 U.S.C. 1002(3) 42 U.S.C. 300gg–91 (5) Policy The term policy (6) Survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking The term survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (7) Survivor services organization The term survivor services organization 502. Discriminatory acts prohibited (a) In general No insurer may, directly or indirectly, engage in any of the following acts or practices on the basis that the applicant or insured, or any person employed by the applicant or insured or with whom the applicant or insured is known to have a relationship or association, is, has been, or may be a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking or has incurred or may incur claims related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking: (1) Denying, refusing to issue, renew, or reissue, or canceling or otherwise terminating an insurance policy or health benefit plan. (2) Restricting, excluding, or limiting insurance coverage for losses or denying a claim, except as otherwise permitted or required by State laws relating to life insurance beneficiaries. (3) Adding a premium differential to any insurance policy or health benefit plan. (b) Prohibition on limitation of claims No insurer may, directly or indirectly, deny or limit payment to an insured who is a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking if the claim for payment is a result of such violence, assault, or stalking. (c) Prohibition on termination (1) In general No insurer may terminate health coverage for a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking because coverage was originally issued in the name of the abuser and the abuser has divorced, separated from, or lost custody of the survivor or the survivor's coverage has terminated voluntarily or involuntarily and the survivor does not qualify for an extension of coverage under part 6 of subtitle B of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 29 U.S.C. 1161 section 4980B (2) Payment of premiums Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed to prohibit the insurer from requiring that the survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking pay the full premium for the survivor's coverage under the health plan if the requirements are applied to all insured of the insurer. (3) 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 18 months if it offers conversion to an equivalent individual plan. (4) Continuation coverage The continuation of health coverage required by this subsection shall be satisfied by any extension of coverage under part 6 of subtitle B of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 29 U.S.C. 1161 section 4980B (d) Use of information (1) Limitation (A) In general In order to protect the safety and privacy of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, no person employed by or contracting with an insurer or health benefit plan may (without the consent of the survivor)— (i) use, disclose, or transfer information relating to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking status, acts of such violence, assault, or stalking, medical conditions related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or the applicant’s or insured’s status as a family member, employer, associate, or person in a relationship with a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking for any purpose unrelated to the direct provision of health care services unless such use, disclosure, or transfer is required by an order of an entity with authority to regulate insurance or an order of a court of competent jurisdiction; or (ii) 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 survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, unless such disclosure or transfer— (I) is required in order to provide insurance coverage; and (II) does not have the potential to endanger the safety of a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. (B) Rule of construction Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to limit or preclude a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking from obtaining the survivor’s own insurance records from an insurer. (2) Authority of survivors A survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, at the absolute discretion of the survivor, may provide evidence of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to an insurer for the limited purpose of facilitating treatment of a condition related to such violence, assault, or stalking or demonstrating that a condition is related to such violence, assault, or stalking. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as authorizing an insurer to disregard such provided evidence. 503. Insurance protocols for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking Insurers shall develop and adhere to written policies specifying procedures to be followed by employees, contractors, producers, agents, and brokers for the purpose of protecting the safety and privacy of a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking and otherwise implementing this subtitle when taking an application, investigating a claim, or taking any other action relating to a policy or claim involving a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. 504. Reasons for adverse actions An insurer that takes an action that adversely affects a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking shall advise the applicant or insured who is the survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking of the specific reasons for the action in writing. For purposes of this section, reference to general underwriting practices or guidelines shall not constitute a specific reason. 505. 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 policy, and if— (1) the applicant or prospective owner of the policy lacks an insurable interest in the insured; or (2) the applicant or prospective owner of the policy is known, on the basis of police or court records, to have committed an act of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking against the proposed insured. 506. Subrogation without consent prohibited Subrogation of claims resulting from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking is prohibited without the informed consent of the survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. 507. Enforcement (a) 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 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act 15 U.S.C. 45 (b) Private cause of action (1) 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 jurisdiction. (2) Relief Upon proof of such conduct by a preponderance of the evidence in an action described in paragraph (1), the court may award appropriate relief, including temporary, preliminary, and permanent injunctive relief and compensatory and punitive damages, as well as the costs of suit and reasonable fees for the aggrieved individual’s attorneys and expert witnesses. (3) Statutory damages With respect to compensatory damages in an action described in paragraph (1), the aggrieved individual may elect, at any time prior to the rendering of final judgment, to recover in lieu of actual damages, an award of statutory damages in the amount of $5,000 for each violation. 508. Applicability This subtitle shall apply with respect to any action taken after the enactment of this Act. B Supporting and empowering survivors 511. Study and reports on barriers to survivors’ economic security access (a) HHS Study The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, shall conduct a study on the barriers that survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking throughout the United States experience in maintaining economic security as a result of issues related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. (b) Reports Not later than January 1, 2019, and every five years thereafter, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, shall submit a report to Congress on the study conducted under subsection (a). (c) Contents The study and reports under this section shall include— (1) identification of geographic areas in which State laws, regulations, and practices have a strong impact on the ability of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to exercise— (A) any rights under this Act without compromising personal safety or the safety of others, including family members and excluding the abuser; and (B) other components of economic security; (2) identification of geographic areas with shortages in resources for such survivors, with an accompanying analysis of the extent and impact of such shortage; (3) analysis of factors related to industries, workplace settings, employer practices, trends, and other elements that impact the ability of such survivors to exercise any rights under this Act without compromising personal safety or the safety of others, including family members; (4) the recommendations of the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Labor with respect to resources, oversight, and enforcement tools to ensure successful implementation of the provisions of this Act in order to support the economic security and safety of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and (5) best practices for States, employers, health carriers, insurers, and other private entities in addressing issues related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. (d) GAO Study Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report that examines, with respect to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking who are or were enrolled at institutions of higher education and have Federal student loan debt, each of the following: (1) The implications of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking on a borrower’s ability to repay their Federal student loans. (2) The adequacy of current policies and procedures regarding Federal loan deferment, forbearance, and grace periods when a survivor has to suspend or terminate their enrollment at an educational institution due to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. (3) The adequacy of current institutional policies and practices regarding retention or transfer of credits when a survivor has to suspend or terminate their enrollment at an educational institution due to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. (4) The availability or any options for a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking who attended institutions of higher education that committed unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices, or otherwise substantially misrepresented information to students, to be able to seek a defense to repayment of their loan. (5) The limitations faced by a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to obtain any relief or restitution on their student loan debt due to the use of forced arbitration, gag orders, or bans on class actions. 512. Domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking education and information programs for survivors (a) Definitions In this section, the terms employ employee employer State (b) Public education program (1) In general The Secretary of Labor, in conjunction with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the grant recipient carrying out the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence) and the Attorney General (through the Principal Deputy Director of the Office on Violence Against Women), shall coordinate and provide for a national public outreach and education campaign to raise public awareness of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including outreach and education for employers, service providers, teachers, and other key partners. (2) Dissemination The Secretary of Labor, in conjunction with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General, as described in paragraph (1), 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 agencies, professional and nonprofit organizations, consumer groups, labor organizations, institutions of higher education, clinics, the media, and Federal, State, and local agencies. (3) Information The information disseminated under paragraph (2) shall include, at a minimum, a description of— (A) the resources and rights that are— (i) available to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and (ii) established in this Act and the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 ( 42 U.S.C. 13925 (B) guidelines and best practices on prevention of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault; (C) resources that promote healthy relationships and communication skills; (D) resources that encourage bystander intervention in a situation involving domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault; (E) resources that promote workplace policies that support and help maintain the economic security of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and (F) resources and rights that the heads of Federal agencies described in paragraph (2) determine are appropriate to include. (c) Information program for employers (1) In general The Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with major women's advocacy groups and medical and public health organizations, shall develop and disseminate to employers information on the entitlement of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to safe leave under title II. (2) Information The information disseminated under paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum— (A) information describing employers’ responsibilities and employees’ rights under title II; (B) recommendations for carrying out those responsibilities and providing for those rights; (C) recommendations for supporting employees when the employees seek safe leave under title II; (D) information on best practices for supporting survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; (E) information on best practices for preventing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; and (F) information explaining how to obtain additional copies of the information developed under paragraph (1) for distribution to the employees. (d) Study on workplace responses The Secretary of Labor, in conjunction with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall conduct a study on the status of workplace responses to employees who experience domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking while employed, in each State and nationally, to improve the access of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to supportive resources and economic security. (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022. 513. Investing in public health infrastructure to improve support for survivors Section 303(c) of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act ( 42 U.S.C. 10403(c) 314 314 $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022. 514. Financial literacy and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (a) Eligible entity defined In this section, the term eligible entity (1) a State or tribal domestic violence coalition or sexual assault coalition, consistent with this Act; (2) a State or local survivor services organization; or (3) an organization with demonstrated expertise in providing financial literacy support and advocacy services, but only if such organization will provide such support and services in partnership with an entity described in paragraph (1) or (2). (b) Grants authorized The Secretary of Health and Human Services is authorized to award competitive grants to eligible entities to— (1) develop and disseminate a model program, and related materials, for providing financial literacy support and advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and such support and services shall take place in national resource centers, established and operated under section 41501 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 ( 42 U.S.C. 14043f (2) provide technical assistance with respect to such model program. (c) Applications An eligible entity seeking a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary of Health and Human Services at such time, in such form and manner, and containing such information as the Secretary specifies. (d) Reports to Congress The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall annually submit a report to Congress on the grant program established under this section. (e) Authorization of appropriations (1) Authorization There is authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2018 to carry out this section. (2) Three-year availability of grant funds Not later than three years after the date on which a grant is awarded under this section, the recipient of such grant shall return to the Secretary of Health and Human Services any unused portion of such grant, together with any earnings on such unused portion. VI Severability 601. Severability If any provision of this Act, any amendment made by this Act, or the application of such provision or amendment to any person or circumstance is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of the provisions of this Act, the amendments made by this Act, and the application of such provisions or amendments to any person or circumstance shall not be affected.

Summary: Security and Financial Empowerment Act of 2017 This bill sets forth various provisions to promote the safety and security of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, Among other things, the bill does the following: requires employers to provide up to 30 days of safe leave in a 12-month period; and prohibits states from imposing additional restrictions on eligibility for unemployment compensation.