Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Bipartisan bill to ease unemployment process for domestic violence victims approved by PA House Labor Committee

Bipartisan bill to ease unemployment process for domestic violence victims approved by PA House Labor Committee

Bill will create an ‘express lane’ for claimants impacted by domestic violence

Rep. Jason Dawkins    January 29, 2025 | 12:21 PM

State Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., and chairman of the House Labor and Industry Committee at a hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

HARRISBURG, Jan. 29 – Last session a bipartisan bill that would create an ‘express lane’ for domestic violence victims to receive unemployment compensation if they are forced to quit working in situations where continued employment would jeopardize their safety was voted both through the House with overwhelming support and the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, but failed to receive a vote in the full Senate.

On Wednesday an updated version of that bill – H.B. 274 – was reported out of the House Labor and Industry Committee unanimously and is once again on its way to the House chamber for future consideration.

“I’m proud to be a sponsor of this legislation, along with my Republican colleague Rep. Seth Grove, to ensure that victims of domestic violence can receive UC benefits when they need them the most,” said Dawkins, chairman of the House Labor and Industry Committee. “By creating this fast-track we are helping victims find the safety and security they need, without having to worry unduly about how they’re going to pay the bills. It’s the right thing to do, and I thank my colleagues for their support.”

Dawkins said he hoped the bill would receive a bipartisan vote in the full House soon, and receive equally bipartisan support once it moves to the Senate.

Send Feedback