A bill aimed at providing unemployment benefits to domestic violence survivors has taken a significant step forward in the Pennsylvania State House. The legislation, which aims to simplify the process for those fleeing abusive situations, has gained broad support from lawmakers.
The proposal, known as House Bill 274, was passed unanimously by two state House committees on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Sponsored by state Reps. Jason Dawkins (D-Philadelphia) and Seth Grove (R-York), the bill seeks to make unemployment benefits more accessible for individuals who leave their jobs for safety reasons, particularly due to domestic violence.
Breaking Down the Bill: Why It Matters
Under current Pennsylvania law, anyone who voluntarily quits their job must demonstrate that their reason for doing so is “necessitous and compelling” and that they made reasonable efforts to maintain the employment relationship. For survivors of domestic violence, this can be a lengthy and complicated process, as the individual must go through an adjudication to prove their reasons for leaving work, which can take weeks or even months.
House Bill 274 proposes to create an “express lane” for unemployment claims related to domestic violence, allowing survivors to confidentially submit evidence of recent domestic abuse. This measure is designed to fast-track the approval process, helping those who need it most without delay.
“We want to ensure that victims of domestic violence have immediate access to the safety and financial security they deserve,” said Dawkins in a statement following the bill’s advancement. “The bill is a common-sense approach that supports victims and helps them regain control of their lives.”
How Will This Change the Process?
Currently, when someone leaves their job due to domestic violence, they have to wait for an adjudication process to determine whether their reason for quitting is valid. This can be especially difficult for survivors, many of whom are dealing with trauma and urgent safety concerns. With this new legislation, survivors can submit evidence such as police reports, medical documents, or other confidential evidence that indicates they left their job to escape domestic abuse. This information will allow for quicker approval of their unemployment benefits.
If passed, the bill will remove the long waiting period, offering an “express lane” through which survivors can apply for benefits in a timely and confidential manner.
The Economic and Emotional Impact
The financial strain of leaving an abusive relationship can be immense. Survivors often face uncertainty about their income and housing stability, adding further stress to an already difficult situation. By allowing survivors to access unemployment benefits quickly, the bill aims to provide some measure of relief, enabling them to focus on their safety and emotional recovery without the added worry of how to pay their bills.
Beyond the emotional toll of abuse, survivors may face challenges in returning to work or securing new employment. Many individuals must relocate or take time off to heal physically and mentally from the abuse they have endured. Offering financial support during this period is crucial for their well-being and long-term recovery.
The bill also provides automatic relief from charges for employers, meaning an employer’s tax rate would not be impacted by a domestic violence-related unemployment claim. This provision is designed to encourage employers to support the measure and prevent any potential economic burden on businesses.
A Bipartisan Effort
Despite Pennsylvania’s politically divided legislature, the bill has garnered broad bipartisan support. Last year, a similar bill passed the Pennsylvania House by a 158-43 vote, although it did not clear the state Senate. The continued bipartisan backing of this bill reflects growing recognition of the need for practical solutions to help survivors of domestic violence.
Rep. Grove, a Republican sponsor of the bill, emphasized the importance of a unified approach to this issue. “Regardless of our political differences, we can all agree that protecting victims of domestic violence and ensuring they have the resources they need to rebuild their lives is something that transcends party lines,” Grove said in a statement.
What’s Next for House Bill 274?
After clearing the House Labor & Industry Committee with a 26-0 vote, the next step for the bill is a full vote in the House. If it passes there, the legislation will move to the state Senate, where it will face further scrutiny and debate. However, given the broad support from both Democrats and Republicans, advocates for domestic violence survivors are hopeful that the bill will make it through the legislative process this time.
Looking Forward
For many survivors, financial independence is a key part of their ability to break free from an abusive relationship. This bill offers them a lifeline, ensuring that they are not further victimized by the system they turn to for help. By making unemployment benefits more accessible and timely, the state is taking a crucial step in supporting those who need it most.
As lawmakers continue to debate the bill in the coming weeks, supporters are calling on the state Senate to act quickly and pass the measure to provide immediate relief for victims.
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