Washington § 49.76.010 - Legislative findings.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 49.76.010 — Legislative findings., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 49.76.010. Legislative findings.

(1) It is in the public interest to reduce domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and hate crime by enabling victims to maintain the financial independence necessary to leave abusive situations, achieve safety, and minimize physical and emotional injuries, and to reduce the devastating economic consequences of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and hate crime to employers and employees. Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or hate crime should be able to recover from and cope with the effects of such violence and participate in criminal and civil justice processes without fear of adverse economic consequences. Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or hate crime should also be able to seek and maintain employment without fear that they will face discrimination.
(2) One of the best predictors of whether a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or hate crime will be able to stay away from an abuser is the victim's degree of economic independence. However, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and hate crime often negatively impact victims' ability to maintain employment.
(3) An employee who is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or hate crime, or an employee whose family member is a victim, must often take leave from work due to injuries, court proceedings, or safety concerns requiring legal protection.
(4) Thus, it is in the public interest to provide reasonable leave from employment for employees who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or hate crime, or for employees whose family members are victims, to participate in legal proceedings, receive medical treatment, or obtain other necessary services.
(5) It is also in the public interest to ensure that victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or hate crime are able to seek and maintain employment without fear of discrimination and to have reasonable safety accommodations in the workplace.
[ 2025 c 375 s 1; 2018 c 47 s 1; 2008 c 286 s 1.]

Notes

Effective date—2025 c 375: See note following RCW 49.76.030.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 49.76.010

What does Revised Code of Washington § 49.76.010 cover?

Section 49.76.010 ("Legislative findings.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

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Is this the official text of Washington law?

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Sources & Verification

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