(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, re-
instatement, 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 sub-
section. 
(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 indi-
vidual’s experience of domestic violence, dating vio-
lence, sexual assault, or stalking, pursuant to any 
other Federal or State law, including a law providing 
for a legal remedy. 
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(7) LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.—Notwithstanding 
any other provision of this subsection, in the case of 
the Library of Congress, the authority of the Sec-
retary of Labor under this subsection shall be exer-
cised 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 de-
scribed 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)) (other than an en-
tity of the legislative branch of the Federal 
Government), subparagraph (B) shall apply. 
(B) AUTHORITY.—In the case described in 
subparagraph (A), the powers, remedies, and 
procedures provided in the case of a violation of 
chapter 63 of title 5, United States Code, in 
that title to an employing agency, in chapter 12 
of that title to the Merit Systems Protection 
Board, or in that title to any person alleging a 
violation of chapter 63 of that title, shall be the 
powers, remedies, and procedures this sub-
section provides in the case of a violation of 
subsection (g) to that agency, that Board, or 
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any person alleging a violation of subsection 
(g), concerning an employee who is an indi-
vidual described in subparagraph (A). 
(9) PUBLIC AGENCIES PROVIDING PUBLIC AS-
SISTANCE.—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 appro-
priate. 
SEC. 203. EXISTING LEAVE USABLE FOR ADDRESSING DO-
MESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, SEX-
UAL 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 
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benefits program or plan, may elect to substitute any pe-
riod of such leave for an equivalent period of leave pro-
vided under section 202. 
SEC. 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 et seq.) to provide nonrecurrent short- 
term emergency benefits to an individual for any period 
of leave the individual takes pursuant to section 202 of 
this Act. 
(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 bene-
fits to an eligible applicant under paragraph (1) on 
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an expedited basis, and not later than seven days 
after the applicant submits an application under 
paragraph (1). 
SEC. 205. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. 
(a) MORE PROTECTIVE LAWS, AGREEMENTS, PRO-
GRAMS, AND PLANS.—Nothing in this title shall be con-
strued to supersede any provision of any Federal, State, 
or local law, collective bargaining agreement, or employ-
ment benefits program or plan that provides— 
(1) greater leave rights for survivors of domes-
tic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalk-
ing than the rights established under this Act; or 
(2) leave benefits for a larger population of sur-
vivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual 
assault, or stalking (as defined in such law, agree-
ment, program, or plan) than the survivors of do-
mestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or 
stalking covered under this Act. 
(b) LESS PROTECTIVE LAWS, AGREEMENTS, PRO-
GRAMS, 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 em-
ployment benefits program or plan. 
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SEC. 206. REGULATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.— 
(1) AUTHORITY TO ISSUE REGULATIONS.—Ex-
cept 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 cus-
tomarily placed, a notice, to be prepared or approved 
by the Secretary of Labor, summarizing the provi-
sions of this title and providing information on pro-
cedures 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 Con-
gress shall prescribe the regulations described in sub-
section (a) with respect to employees of the Library of 
Congress. The regulations prescribed under this sub-
section 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 Of-
fice of Personnel Management shall prescribe the regula-
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tions described in subsection (a) with respect to individ-
uals 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)) (other than an individual employed by 
an entity of the legislative branch of the Federal Govern-
ment). The regulations prescribed under this subsection 
shall, to the extent appropriate, be consistent with the reg-
ulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor under sub-
section (a). 
(d) PUBLIC AGENCIES PROVIDING PUBLIC ASSIST-
ANCE.—The President shall prescribe the regulations de-
scribed 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 discrimina-
tion described in section 202(g)(3). The regulations pre-
scribed under this subsection shall, to the extent appro-
priate, be consistent with the regulations prescribed by the 
Secretary of Labor under subsection (a). 
TITLE III—SURVIVORS’ 
EMPLOYMENT SUSTAINABILITY 
SEC. 301. SHORT TITLE. 
This title may be cited as the ‘‘Survivors’ Employ-
ment Sustainability Act’’. 
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SEC. 302. PROHIBITED DISCRIMINATORY ACTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—It shall be unlawful for an em-
ployer to fail or refuse to hire or discharge any individual, 
or otherwise discriminate (including harassment or retalia-
tion in any form or manner) against any individual with 
respect to the compensation, terms, conditions, or privi-
leges of employment of the individual, and it shall be un-
lawful for a public agency to deny, reduce, or terminate 
the benefits of, or otherwise sanction any individual, or 
otherwise discriminate (including harassment or retalia-
tion in any form or manner) against any individual with 
respect to the amount, terms, or conditions of public as-
sistance 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, sex-
ual assault, or stalking, or a survivor of communica-
tion of an intimate image of the individual; 
(2) that individual attended, participated in, 
prepared for, or requested leave to attend, partici-
pate in, or prepare for, a criminal or civil court pro-
ceeding relating to an incident that caused the indi-
vidual to be a survivor of domestic violence, dating 
violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or a survivor of 
communication of an intimate image of the indi-
vidual; 
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(3) that individual, in response to actual or 
threatened domestic violence, dating violence, sexual 
assault, or stalking, or actual or threatened commu-
nication of an intimate image of the individual, re-
quested that the employer or public agency imple-
ment a reasonable safety procedure or a job-related 
modification to enhance the security of that indi-
vidual 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 in-
timate image of the individual. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) 
COMMUNICATION
OF
AN
INTIMATE 
IMAGE.—The term ‘‘communication of an intimate 
image’’, used with respect to an individual, includes 
a transmission, dissemination, or receipt through 
electronic or other communication containing at 
least one intimate image of the individual that ap-
pears to have been transmitted or disseminated by 
a person who— 
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(A) 
obtained 
the 
image 
under 
cir-
cumstances in which a reasonable person would 
know or understand that the image was to re-
main private; 
(B) knows or should have known that the 
depicted individual has not consented to the dis-
closure 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’’, 
used with respect to the terms, conditions, or privi-
leges of employment or with respect to the terms or 
conditions of public assistance, includes failing to 
implement, on request from an individual, in re-
sponse to actual or threatened domestic violence, 
dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or actual 
or threatened communication of an intimate image 
of the individual, a reasonable safety procedure or a 
job-related modification to enhance the security of 
that individual or safeguard the workplace involved 
(such as installation of a lock, change of a telephone 
number or seating assignment, provision of a trans-
fer, provision of leave, modification of a schedule, or 
adjustment of a work requirement), unless the em-
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ployer or public agency can demonstrate that grant-
ing the request would impose an undue hardship on 
the operation of the employer or public agency. 
(3) DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE; DATING
VIOLENCE; 
SEXUAL ASSAULT; STALKING.—The terms ‘‘domestic 
violence’’, ‘‘dating violence’’, ‘‘sexual assault’’, and 
‘‘stalking’’ have the meanings given the terms in sec-
tion 40002 of the Violence Against Women Act of 
1994 (42 U.S.C. 13925). 
(4) INTIMATE
IMAGE.—The term ‘‘intimate 
image’’ means any photograph, motion picture film, 
videotape, digital image, image from social media, or 
any other recording or other image of an individual 
(other than the person taking the image) who is 
identifiable from the image itself or from informa-
tion displayed with or otherwise connected to the 
image, that— 
(A) was taken in a private setting; 
(B) does not depict a matter of public con-
cern; and 
(C) depicts— 
(i) sexual activity, including sexual 
intercourse or masturbation; or 
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(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’’, and ‘‘survivor of domestic violence, dating 
violence, sexual assault, or stalking’’ have the mean-
ings given the terms in section 201. 
(6) UNDUE
HARDSHIP.—The term ‘‘undue 
hardship’’ means an action requiring significant dif-
ficulty or expense. 
SEC. 303. ENFORCEMENT. 
(a) CIVIL ACTION BY INDIVIDUALS.— 
(1) LIABILITY.—Any employer that violates sec-
tion 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 dam-
ages for future pecuniary losses, emotional 
pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, 
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loss of enjoyment or life, and other nonpecu-
niary 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 appro-
priate, including employment, reinstatement, 
and promotion. 
(2) RIGHT OF ACTION.—An action to recover 
the damages or equitable relief prescribed in para-
graph (1) may be maintained against any employer 
in any Federal or State court of competent jurisdic-
tion by any one or more affected individuals de-
scribed in section 302. 
(b) ACTION BY SECRETARY OF LABOR.—The Sec-
retary 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 Con-
gress. 
(d) CERTAIN PUBLIC AGENCY EMPLOYERS.— 
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(1) AGENCIES.—Notwithstanding any other 
provision of this section, in the case of a public 
agency that employs individuals as described in sub-
paragraph (A) or (B) of section 3(e)(2) of the Fair 
Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203(e)(2)) 
(other than an entity of the legislative branch of the 
Federal Government), paragraph (2) shall apply. 
(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 Protec-
tion 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 vio-
lation of section 302, respectively, concerning an em-
ployee who is an individual described in paragraph 
(1). 
(e) PUBLIC AGENCIES PROVIDING PUBLIC ASSIST-
ANCE.—Consistent with regulations prescribed under sec-
tion 304(d), the President shall ensure that any public 
agency that violates section 302(a) by taking an action 
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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 de-
nied or lost to such individual by reason of the viola-
tion; 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. 
SEC. 304. REGULATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in subsections 
(b), (c), and (d), the Secretary of Labor shall issue regula-
tions to carry out this title. 
(b) LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.—The Librarian of Con-
gress shall prescribe the regulations described in sub-
section (a) with respect to employees of the Library of 
Congress. The regulations prescribed under this sub-
section 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 Of-
fice of Personnel Management, after consultation with the 
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Office of Special Counsel and the Merit Systems Protec-
tion Board, shall prescribe the regulations described in 
subsection (a) with respect to individuals described in sub-
paragraph (A) or (B) of section 3(e)(2) of the Fair Labor 
Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203(e)(2)) (other than 
an individual employed by an entity of the legislative 
branch of the Federal Government). The regulations pre-
scribed under this subsection shall, to the extent appro-
priate, be consistent with the regulations prescribed by the 
Secretary of Labor under subsection (a). 
(d) PUBLIC AGENCIES PROVIDING PUBLIC ASSIST-
ANCE.—The President shall prescribe the regulations de-
scribed 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 reg-
ulations prescribed under this subsection shall, to the ex-
tent appropriate, be consistent with the regulations pre-
scribed by the Secretary of Labor under subsection (a). 
SEC. 305. ATTORNEY’S FEES. 
Section 722(b) of the Revised Statutes (42 U.S.C. 
1988(b)) is amended by inserting ‘‘the Survivors’ Employ-
ment Sustainability Act,’’ after ‘‘title VI of the Civil 
Rights Act of 1964,’’. 
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TITLE IV—ENTITLEMENT TO UN-
EMPLOYMENT 
COMPENSA-
TION FOR SURVIVORS OF DO-
MESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING 
VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, 
OR STALKING 
SEC. 401. UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION AND TRAINING 
PROVISIONS. 
(a) UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION.—Section 3304 
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to approval 
of State unemployment compensation laws) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) in paragraph (18), by striking ‘‘and’’ 
at the end; 
(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 addi-
tional conditions that restrict the individual’s eligi-
bility for or receipt of benefits beyond those required 
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of other individuals who are forced to leave their 
jobs or are deemed to have good cause for volun-
tarily separating from a job in the State; and’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(g) CONSTRUCTION.—For purposes of subsection 
(a)(19)— 
‘‘(1) DOCUMENTATION.—In determining eligi-
bility for compensation due to circumstances result-
ing from an individual being a survivor of domestic 
violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalk-
ing— 
‘‘(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 dem-
onstrate eligibility, except that a State may re-
quire the presentation of a form of identifica-
tion in addition to the sworn statement of appli-
cant described in paragraph (2)(A). 
‘‘(2) LIST OF FORMS OF DOCUMENTATION.— 
The list referred to in paragraph (1)(A) shall, at a 
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minimum, include the following forms of documenta-
tion: 
‘‘(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 organi-
zation, 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 vio-
lence’, ‘dating violence’, ‘sexual assault’, ‘stalking’, 
‘survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual 
assault, or stalking’, and ‘survivor services organiza-
tion’ have the meanings given such terms in section 
201 of the Security and Financial Empowerment 
Act of 2015.’’. 
(b) UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION PERSONNEL 
TRAINING.—Section 303(a) of the Social Security Act (42 
U.S.C. 503(a)) is amended— 
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(1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through 
(12) as paragraphs (5) through (13), respectively; 
and 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the fol-
lowing new paragraph: 
‘‘(4) Such methods of administration as will en-
sure that— 
‘‘(A) applicants for unemployment com-
pensation and individuals inquiring about such 
compensation are adequately notified of the 
provisions of subsections (a)(19) and (g) of sec-
tion 3304 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 
(relating to the availability of unemployment 
compensation for survivors of domestic violence, 
dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking); and 
‘‘(B) claims reviewers and hearing per-
sonnel are adequately trained in— 
‘‘(i) the nature and dynamics of do-
mestic violence, dating violence, sexual as-
sault, or stalking (as such terms are de-
fined in section 201 of the Security and 
Financial Empowerment Act of 2015); and 
‘‘(ii) methods of ascertaining and 
keeping confidential information about pos-
sible experiences of domestic violence, dat-
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ing violence, sexual assault, or stalking (as 
so defined) to ensure that— 
‘‘(I) requests for unemployment 
compensation based on separations 
stemming from domestic violence, dat-
ing violence, sexual assault, or stalk-
ing (as so defined) are reliably 
screened, identified, and adjudicated; 
and 
‘‘(II) full confidentiality is pro-
vided 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)) is amended 
by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(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 en-
forcing standards and procedures to— 
‘‘(A) ensure that applicants for assistance 
under the program and individuals inquiring 
about such assistance are adequately notified 
of— 
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‘‘(i) the provisions of subsections 
(a)(19) and (g) of section 3304 of the In-
ternal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to 
the availability of unemployment com-
pensation for survivors of domestic vio-
lence, dating violence, sexual assault, or 
stalking); and 
‘‘(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 2015); 
‘‘(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 do-
mestic violence, dating violence, sexual as-
sault, or stalking (as such terms are de-
fined in section 201 of the Security and 
Financial Empowerment Act of 2015); 
‘‘(ii) State standards and procedures 
relating to the prevention of, and assist-
ance for individuals who are survivors of, 
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domestic violence, dating violence, sexual 
assault, or stalking (as so defined); and 
‘‘(iii) methods of ascertaining and 
keeping confidential information about pos-
sible experiences of domestic violence, dat-
ing 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 vi-
olence pursuant to paragraph (7), ensure 
that— 
‘‘(i) applicants for assistance under 
the program and individuals inquiring 
about such assistance are adequately noti-
fied of options available under such stand-
ards 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 proce-
dures; and 
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‘‘(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 sec-
tion 401(d)(2) of the Security and Financial 
Empowerment Act of 2015).’’. 
(d) DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, SEX-
UAL ASSAULT, OR STALKING TRAINING GRANT PRO-
GRAM.— 
(1) GRANTS
AUTHORIZED.—The Secretary of 
Labor (in this subsection referred to as the ‘‘Sec-
retary’’) is authorized to award— 
(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, as 
added by subsection (b), and under sub-
paragraphs (B) and, if applicable, (C)(ii) 
of section 402(a)(8) of such Act, as added 
by subsection (c); and 
(ii) provide technical assistance with 
respect to such model training program; 
and 
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(B) grants to State, tribal, or local agen-
cies 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 pro-
gram established under part A of title IV of the 
Social Security Act in a State or Indian res-
ervation with the training required under sub-
paragraphs (B) and, if applicable, (C)(ii) of 
such section 402(a)(8). 
(2) ELIGIBLE ENTITY DEFINED.—For purposes 
of paragraph (1)(B), the term ‘‘eligible entity’’ 
means an 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 vio-
lence, sexual assault, or stalking, such as 
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a rape crisis center or domestic violence 
program; or 
(iii) 
an 
organization 
with 
dem-
onstrated expertise in State or county wel-
fare laws and implementation of such laws 
and experience with disseminating informa-
tion 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 vi-
olence 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 vio-
lence and sexual assault expertise require-
ment 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 man-
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ner, and containing such information as the Sec-
retary specifies. 
(4) REPORTS.— 
(A) REPORTS
TO
CONGRESS.—The Sec-
retary shall annually submit a report to Con-
gress 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 sub-
mitted under subparagraph (A). Such proce-
dures shall include the use of the Internet to 
disseminate such reports. 
(5) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— 
(A) AUTHORIZATION.—There are author-
ized to be appropriated— 
(i) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2016 to 
carry out the provisions of paragraph 
(1)(A); and 
(ii) $12,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2017 through 2020 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 un-
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used portion of such grant not later than 3 
years after the date the grant was awarded, to-
gether with any earnings on such unused por-
tion. 
(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 Fed-
eral, State, or local law, collective bargaining agree-
ment, 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 estab-
lished under this title. 
(2) LESS
PROTECTIVE
LAWS, AGREEMENTS, 
PROGRAMS, AND PLANS.—The rights established for 
survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sex-
ual assault, or stalking under this title shall not be 
diminished by any more restrictive State or local 
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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 begin-
ning 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 poli-
cies in order to comply with the amend-
ments 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 amend-
ments; or 
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(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 amend-
ments apply before the date that is 180 
days after the date of enactment of this 
Act. 
(ii) SESSION DEFINED.—In this sub-
paragraph, the term ‘‘session’’ means a 
regular, special, budget, or other session of 
a State legislature. 
(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 which the Secretary of Health and 
Human Services determines requires State ac-
tion (including legislation, regulation, or other 
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TITLE V—INSURANCE PROTEC-
TIONS 
AND 
SUPPORT 
FOR 
SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VI-
OLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, 
SEXUAL ASSAULT, OR STALK-
ING 
Subtitle A—Insurance Protections 
SEC. 501. DEFINITIONS. 
In this title: 
(1) ABUSER.—The term ‘‘abuser’’ means the 
person who commits an act of domestic violence, 
dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking against a 
survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual 
assault, or stalking. 
(2) DATING
VIOLENCE; DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE; 
SEXUAL ASSAULT; STALKING.—The terms ‘‘dating 
violence’’, ‘‘domestic violence’’, ‘‘sexual assault’’, and 
‘‘stalking’’ have the meanings given such terms in 
section 201. 
(3) INSURED.—The term ‘‘insured’’ means a 
party named on a policy, certificate, or health ben-
efit plan, including an individual, a corporation, a 
partnership, an association, an unincorporated orga-
nization, or any similar entity, as the person with 
legal rights to the benefits provided by the policy, 
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certificate, or health benefit plan. For group insur-
ance, the term includes a person who is a beneficiary 
covered by a group policy, certificate, or health ben-
efit plan. For life insurance, the term refers to the 
person whose life is covered under an insurance pol-
icy. 
(4) INSURER.—The term ‘‘insurer’’ means any 
person, reciprocal exchange, inter insurer, Lloyds in-
surer, fraternal benefit society, or other legal entity 
engaged in the business of insurance, including 
agents, brokers, adjusters, and third-party adminis-
trators. The term includes employers who provide or 
make available employment benefits through an em-
ployee benefit plan, as defined in section 3(3) of the 
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 
(29 U.S.C. 1002(3)). The term also includes health 
insurance issuers, as defined by section 2791 of the 
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg–91), 
health benefit plans, and life, disability, and prop-
erty and casualty insurers. 
(5) POLICY.—The term ‘‘policy’’ means a con-
tract of insurance, certificate, indemnity, suretyship, 
or annuity issued, proposed for issuance, or intended 
for issuance by an insurer, including endorsements 
or riders to an insurance policy or contract. 
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(6) SURVIVOR OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING 
VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, OR STALKING.—The 
term ‘‘survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, 
sexual assault, or stalking’’ has the meaning given 
such term in section 201. 
(7) SURVIVOR SERVICES ORGANIZATION.—The 
term ‘‘survivor services organization’’ has the mean-
ing given such term in section 201. 
SEC. 502. DISCRIMINATORY ACTS PROHIBITED. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—No insurer may, directly or indi-
rectly, engage in any of the following acts or practices on 
the basis that the applicant or insured, or any person em-
ployed by the applicant or insured or with whom the appli-
cant or insured is known to have a relationship or associa-
tion, is, has been, or may be a survivor of domestic vio-
lence, 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 re-
issue, or canceling or otherwise terminating an in-
surance policy or health benefit plan. 
(2) Restricting, excluding, or limiting insurance 
coverage for losses or denying a claim, except as oth-
erwise permitted or required by State laws relating 
to life insurance beneficiaries. 
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(3) Adding a premium differential to any insur-
ance 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, dat-
ing 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 cov-
erage has terminated voluntarily or involuntarily and 
the survivor does not qualify for an extension of cov-
erage under part 6 of subtitle B of title I of the Em-
ployee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 
U.S.C. 1161 et seq.) or section 4980B of the Inter-
nal Revenue Code of 1986. 
(2) PAYMENT OF PREMIUMS.—Nothing in para-
graph (1) shall be construed to prohibit the insurer 
from requiring that the survivor of domestic vio-
lence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking pay 
the full premium for the survivor’s coverage under 
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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 of-
fers conversion to an equivalent individual plan. 
(4) CONTINUATION
COVERAGE.—The continu-
ation 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 Re-
tirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 
1161 et seq.) or section 4980B of the Internal Rev-
enue Code of 1986 provided to a survivor of domes-
tic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalk-
ing and is not intended to be in addition to any ex-
tension of coverage otherwise provided for under 
such part 6 or section 4980B. 
(d) USE OF INFORMATION.— 
(1) LIMITATION.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—In order to protect the 
safety and privacy of survivors of domestic vio-
lence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalk-
ing, no person employed by or contracting with 
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an insurer or health benefit plan may (without 
the consent of the survivor)— 
(i) use, disclose, or transfer informa-
tion relating to domestic violence, dating 
violence, sexual assault, or stalking status, 
acts of such violence, assault, or stalking, 
medical conditions related to domestic vio-
lence, dating violence, sexual assault, or 
stalking, or the applicant’s or insured’s 
status as a family member, employer, asso-
ciate, or person in a relationship with a 
survivor of domestic violence, dating vio-
lence, sexual assault, or stalking for any 
purpose unrelated to the direct provision of 
health care services unless such use, disclo-
sure, or transfer is required by an order of 
an entity with authority to regulate insur-
ance or an order of a court of competent 
jurisdiction; or 
(ii) disclose or transfer information 
relating to an applicant’s or insured’s mail-
ing address or telephone number or the 
mailing address and telephone number of a 
shelter for survivors of domestic violence, 
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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, sex-
ual 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 obtain-
ing 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 vi-
olence, sexual assault, or stalking to an insurer for 
the limited purpose of facilitating treatment of a 
condition related to such violence, assault, or stalk-
ing or demonstrating that a condition is related to 
such violence, assault, or stalking. Nothing in this 
paragraph shall be construed as authorizing an in-
surer to disregard such provided evidence. 
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SEC. 503. INSURANCE PROTOCOLS FOR SURVIVORS OF DO-
MESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, SEX-
UAL ASSAULT, OR STALKING. 
Insurers shall develop and adhere to written policies 
specifying procedures to be followed by employees, con-
tractors, producers, agents, and brokers for the purpose 
of protecting the safety and privacy of a survivor of do-
mestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking 
and otherwise implementing this subtitle when taking an 
application, investigating a claim, or taking any other ac-
tion relating to a policy or claim involving a survivor of 
domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalk-
ing. 
SEC. 504. REASONS FOR ADVERSE ACTIONS. 
An insurer that takes an action that adversely affects 
a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual as-
sault, 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 gen-
eral underwriting practices or guidelines shall not con-
stitute a specific reason. 
SEC. 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 
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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 vio-
lence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking 
against the proposed insured. 
SEC. 506. SUBROGATION WITHOUT CONSENT PROHIBITED. 
Subrogation of claims resulting from domestic vio-
lence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking is prohib-
ited without the informed consent of the survivor of do-
mestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalk-
ing. 
SEC. 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) 
and the Federal Trade Commission shall enforce this sub-
title in the same manner, by the same means, and with 
the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all ap-
plicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade Com-
mission Act were incorporated into and made a part of 
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this subtitle, including issuing a cease and desist order 
granting any individual relief warranted under the cir-
cumstances, including temporary, preliminary, and perma-
nent injunctive relief and compensatory damages. 
(b) PRIVATE CAUSE OF ACTION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—An applicant or insured who 
believes that the applicant or insured has been ad-
versely 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 perma-
nent injunctive relief and compensatory and punitive 
damages, as well as the costs of suit and reasonable 
fees for the aggrieved individual’s attorneys and ex-
pert 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 statu-
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tory damages in the amount of $5,000 for each vio-
lation. 
SEC. 508. APPLICABILITY. 
This subtitle shall apply with respect to any action 
taken after the enactment of this Act. 
Subtitle B—Supporting and 
Empowering Survivors 
SEC. 511. STUDY AND REPORTS ON BARRIERS TO SUR-
VIVORS’ ECONOMIC SECURITY ACCESS. 
(a) 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, 2017, 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 con-
ducted 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 
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impact on the ability of survivors of domestic vio-
lence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to 
exercise— 
(A) any rights under this Act without com-
promising personal safety or the safety of oth-
ers, 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 sur-
vivors 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 en-
forcement tools to ensure successful implementation 
of the provisions of this Act in order to support the 
economic security and safety of survivors of domestic 
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violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; 
and 
(5) best practices for States, employers, health 
carriers, insurers, and other private entities in ad-
dressing issues related to domestic violence, dating 
violence, sexual assault, or stalking. 
SEC. 512. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, SEX-
UAL ASSAULT, AND STALKING EDUCATION 
AND INFORMATION PROGRAMS FOR SUR-
VIVORS. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the terms ‘‘em-
ploy’’, ‘‘employee’’, ‘‘employer’’, and ‘‘State’’ have the 
meanings given such terms in section 201. 
(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 Cen-
ters for Disease Control and Prevention and the 
grant recipient carrying out the National Resource 
Center on Domestic Violence) and the Attorney Gen-
eral (through the Principal Deputy Director of the 
Office on Violence Against Women), shall coordinate 
and provide for a national public outreach and edu-
cation campaign to raise public awareness of domes-
tic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and 
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stalking, including outreach and education for em-
ployers, 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 de-
scribed in paragraph (1), may disseminate informa-
tion through the public outreach and education cam-
paign on the resources and rights referred to in this 
subsection directly or through arrangements with 
health agencies, professional and nonprofit organiza-
tions, consumer groups, labor organizations, institu-
tions of higher education, clinics, the media, and 
Federal, State, and local agencies. 
(3) INFORMATION.—The information dissemi-
nated under paragraph (2) shall include, at a min-
imum, 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 Vi-
olence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 
U.S.C. 13925 et seq.); 
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(B) guidelines and best practices on pre-
vention of domestic violence, dating violence, 
stalking, and sexual assault; 
(C) resources that promote healthy rela-
tionships and communication skills; 
(D) resources that encourage bystander 
intervention in a situation involving domestic vi-
olence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual as-
sault; 
(E) resources that promote workplace poli-
cies that support and help maintain the eco-
nomic 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) de-
termine 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. 
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(2) INFORMATION.—The information dissemi-
nated under paragraph (1) shall include, at a min-
imum— 
(A) information describing employers’ re-
sponsibilities and employees’ rights under title 
II; 
(B) recommendations for carrying out 
those responsibilities and providing for those 
rights; 
(C) recommendations for supporting em-
ployees when the employees seek safe leave 
under title II; 
(D) information on best practices for sup-
porting survivors of domestic violence, dating 
violence, sexual assault, or stalking; 
(E) information on best practices for pre-
venting domestic violence, dating violence, sex-
ual assault, and stalking; and 
(F) information explaining how to obtain 
additional copies of the information developed 
under paragraph (1) for distribution to the em-
ployees. 
(d) STUDY ON WORKPLACE RESPONSES.—The Sec-
retary of Labor, in conjunction with the Secretary of 
Health and Human Services, shall conduct a study on the 
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status of workplace responses to employees who experience 
domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalk-
ing while employed, in each State and nationally, to im-
prove 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 
2016 through 2020. 
SEC. 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)) is amended by striking 
‘‘314’’ and all that follows and inserting ‘‘314 
$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2020.’’. 
SEC. 514. FINANCIAL LITERACY AND ADVOCACY FOR SUR-
VIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VI-
OLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, OR STALKING. 
(a) ELIGIBLE ENTITY DEFINED.—In this section, 
the term ‘‘eligible entity’’ means an entity that is— 
(1) a State or tribal domestic violence coalition 
or sexual assault coalition, consistent with this Act; 
(2) a State or local survivor services organiza-
tion; or 
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