On March 25, 2024, The Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved an amendment numbered House Bill 1446 to the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation  Law (UC) that would make it easier for victims of domestic violence to collect unemployment benefits in cases where they were forced to quit their jobs because their safety was at risk. House members voted 158-43, with all Democrats and 56 Republicans voting in favor of approving the bill. The last action on this bill was a referral to the Senate Labor and Industry Committee on April 4, 2024.  

If you or a loved one are involved in a domestic violence issue in Pennsylvania, then the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team can help you obtain a restraining order and protect all your rights under the law. Call the offices today at 888.535.3686  or contact us. 

How the New Amendment Would Change UC Law 

Under the current UC law, 937 P.L.2897, any person who quits employment must prove unemployment eligibility by proving first that the reasons for leaving employment were “necessitous and compelling” and second that the individual had made reasonable efforts to maintain employment. House Bill 1446 would create an exception to the law to allow a victim of domestic violence to submit recent evidence of domestic violence confidentially and would not require showing reasonable efforts to attempt to maintain employment. Representative Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh, minority chair of the House Labor & Industry Committee, introduced the bill and stated, “Escaping domestic violence sometimes involves relocating suddenly and finding a new job. My bill represents one small way we can help make the ordeal a little less complicated. ”   

Streamlining Relief for Victims of Domestic Violence Under the New Amendment 

The Tribune-Democrat news article highlighted the approval of House Bill 1446 in the House of Representatives and noted that not only domestic violence victims would qualify for relief under the new amendment, but also any family members or relatives also at risk who are living in the home. Moreover, court rulings have already established that domestic violence itself is a “ necessitous and compelling” reason for an individual victim to quit employment. Thus, the amendment will make the entire claims process of obtaining unemployment compensation more streamlined for victims of domestic violence. 

Showing Evidence of Domestic Violence Under the New Amendment 

The new amendment would allow for recent evidence of domestic violence to be submitted confidentially. Such evidence could include statements from qualified professionals, an active protective order, or other relevant court documentation.  

Securing a Protection from Abuse Order requires the help of skilled professionals to protect and enforce all of your rights under Pennsylvania law. If you are facing any domestic violence issues, contact the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team offices today at 888.535.3686  or contact us .