What happened?

The Oregon House passed Engrossed House Bill 3443 in which, among other provisions, expands eligibility for protected leave to bias crime victims, mandating employers to include employees who are the victims of bias at the start of 2024.

What are the details?

• On August 15, 2023, Oregon Legislature expanded protections under the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA) for bias crime in the form of privileges, especially of leave during the employment.
• These privileges include (besides paid leave) that the victim can request accommodation while on the job.

Business Considerations

• Create or update your domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault, and stalking leave policy to include bias victims too.
• Be prepared to engage in the interactive process with any employee who may request an on-the-job accommodation. Vensure clients can consult their HR contact for assistance with the accommodation process.

Ensure you have processes in place to administer a leave of absence when needed. Vensure clients with leave administration services can consult the leave of absence team for help with the leave process.

Resources

• Oregon House Bill 3443 
• Oregon Department of Justice – Bias and Hate
• Office of Oregon Governor

Source References

• Employment Law Update 2024: New Employment Laws for the New Year (Littler Mendelson P.C.)
• Oregon lawmakers pass bill granting hate crime victims paid leave, rental protections (Advance Local Media LLC)
• Oregon House Bill 3443 (Legiscan)

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