HOUSE BILL 211

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Gail Chasey

AN ACT

RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT LAW; REQUIRING EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE LEAVE TO CRIME VICTIMS TO ATTEND JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     Section 1. LEAVE FOR CRIME VICTIMS.--

          A. Subject to Subsection B of this section, an employer shall provide paid or unpaid leave to an employee who is a crime victim to attend any judicial proceeding that relates to the crime allegedly committed.

          B. An employer may require that a request for leave pursuant to this section be supported by satisfactory evidence, and the employee shall provide, in a timely manner, satisfactory evidence to the employer.

          C. For purposes of this section:

                (1) "crime victim" means:

                     (a) a person against whom a criminal offense was committed; or

                     (b) a family member or representative of a crime victim who is a minor, incompetent or a homicide victim;

                (2) "employer" means any person employing four or more persons and any person acting for an employer; and

                (3) "satisfactory evidence" includes any police, court or official records or reports concerning a crime committed against the victim.

     Section 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2009.

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