What does Preamble of SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled 'A bill to promote the economic security and safety of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and for other purposes.'

What does FINDINGS. of SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines findings related to gender-based violence, including domestic and sexual violence, in the United States. The findings detail the prevalence of such violence, its impact on survivors' physical and emotional health, financial security, and workforce participation, and its connection to interstate commerce. Economic abuse, defined as controlling a partner's access to financial resources, is identified as a significant aspect of violence, particularly in teen dating violence. The text highlights the substantial costs associated with intimate partner violence, including medical care, lost productivity, and criminal justice system expenses. Current federal law lacks explicit provisions to support survivors, such as authorizing leave for legal assistance, addressing unemployment compensation eligibility, providing job protection, or prohibiting discrimination by insurers and employers. The stated aim of the Act is to empower survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to be free from violence and control.

What does DEFINITIONS. of SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026 do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. “Communication of an intimate visual depiction” includes the transmission, dissemination, or receipt of an intimate visual depiction without consent. “Intimate visual depiction” includes photographs, videos, or deepfakes depicting sexual activity or intimate body parts. “Consent” requires an affirmative, conscious, and voluntary authorization. The terms “dating violence,” “sexual assault,” and “stalking” are defined according to the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. A “domestic partner” is an individual in a committed relationship sharing responsibility for each other's welfare. “Domestic violence,” “family violence,” and “sexual harassment” are also defined with references to existing legislation. “Gender-based violence and harassment” includes violence and harassment directed at an individual because of their sex or gender. “Qualifying act of violence” encompasses domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, trafficking, and communication of an intimate visual depiction, among other acts. “Victim of a qualifying act of violence” includes individuals who have experienced or are experiencing such acts, as well as those whose family members have.

What does RULE OF CONSTRUCTION REGARDING MORE PROTECTIVE LAWS, of SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a rule of construction stating that the Act should not be interpreted to invalidate existing laws, agreements, or programs. Specifically, the Act will not supersede provisions providing greater leave rights for victims of violence than those established by the Act. The Act also will not supersede provisions offering leave benefits to a larger population of victims than those covered by the Act.

What does ARBITRATION. of SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026 do?

This section addresses arbitration agreements related to claims arising out of titles II, III, or V of this Act. Predispute arbitration agreements and predispute joint-action waivers relating to these claims are not valid or enforceable. A court, rather than an arbitrator, will determine the applicability of titles II, III, or V to a dispute and the validity and enforceability of related arbitration agreements. This determination applies regardless of how the party resisting arbitration challenges the agreement.

What does GRANT PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION. of SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026 do?

This section reauthorizes a grant program under the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. Section 41501(a) of the Violence Against Women Act is amended to expand the recipients of information and assistance to include victim services organizations, community based organizations, and coalitions. The amendment clarifies that these organizations can provide resource materials or other assistance to employers, labor organizations, or employees. Section 41501 of the Violence Against Women Act is amended to establish administrative cost limitations. The Attorney General is limited to using no more than 2.5 percent of appropriated funds for grant administration and monitoring. The Director of the Office on Violence Against Women is limited to using no more than 5 percent of appropriated funds for program evaluations.

What does ENTITLEMENT TO SAFE LEAVE FOR ADDRESSING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, of SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes entitlement to safe leave for employees experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Employers must provide each employee not less than 40 work days of safe leave in a 12-month period, with at least 10 days being paid. Safe leave can be used for purposes such as seeking counseling, relocation, legal assistance, medical attention, and childcare. Employees may request safe leave orally or in writing, and employers may require certification for periods exceeding three workdays. Certification can include sworn statements, documentation from victim services professionals, police records, or court orders. Employers are prohibited from requiring employees to find replacements to cover their leave. Information related to safe leave requests must be kept confidential. Employees are entitled to reinstatement to their position or an equivalent one upon returning from safe leave. Employers must maintain group health plan coverage for employees during their safe leave period.

What does PROHIBITED ACTS. of SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026 do?

This section prohibits interference with rights provided under section 201. It is unlawful to retaliate against an individual for requesting, indicating intent to request, or taking safe leave. Using leave requests as a negative factor in employment actions is prohibited. An adverse action within 12 months of taking eligible leave creates a rebuttable presumption of retaliation. Employers cannot discriminate against individuals for opposing practices made unlawful by section 201. Discrimination against individuals who file charges or initiate proceedings related to section 201 is prohibited. It is unlawful to retaliate against individuals who provide information or testify in inquiries or proceedings related to rights under section 201.

What does ENFORCEMENT. of SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes enforcement mechanisms for violations of sections 201 and 202. Affected individuals may bring a civil action against employers for damages, including lost compensation, interest, and liquidated damages. The court may reduce liquidated damages if the employer proves good faith and reasonable grounds for believing the act was not a violation. The Secretary of Labor can investigate complaints and bring civil actions to recover damages. Recovered sums are held in a special deposit account and paid to affected individuals, with unclaimed funds reverting to the Treasury. Employers violating sections 201 or 202 are subject to civil monetary penalties of $1,000 per violation. Actions may be brought within two years of the last violation, or three years for willful violations of section 202. The Secretary of Labor can seek injunctions to restrain violations and award equitable relief. The authority of the Secretary of Labor is delegated to specific administrative officers for certain covered employees.

What does EXISTING LEAVE USABLE FOR A QUALIFYING ACT OF VIOLENCE. of SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026 do?

This section allows employees to substitute existing leave for leave provided under section 201. Eligible leave includes paid or unpaid leave from federal, state, local laws, collective bargaining agreements, or employment benefits programs. Examples of qualifying leave include family, medical, sick, annual, personal, or similar leave.

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SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026

Last updated: 5/21/2026 · Introduced: 5/21/2026

Author: Patty Murray (D-WA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a minimum of 40 work days of safe leave for employees experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, including at least 10 days of paid leave, allowing them to seek counseling, relocate, or obtain legal assistance.
The bill prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for requesting or taking safe leave, using leave requests negatively in employment decisions, or discriminating against those who oppose unlawful practices.
It reauthorizes and expands a grant program under the Violence Against Women Act, enabling victim services organizations, community-based organizations, and coalitions to provide information and assistance to employers, labor organizations, and employees.
The bill prevents arbitration agreements from being enforced in cases related to claims arising under specific titles of the Act, ensuring disputes are resolved in court.
It amends unemployment compensation laws to prevent denial of benefits to individuals who voluntarily separate from work due to being a victim of a qualifying act of violence, requiring states to accept various forms of documentation.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 8965(In Committee)Official page

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