Relating to leave for junior college district or university system employees who are physically assaulted while on duty.
The bill seeks to amend existing regulations under the Education Code by adding Section 51.9611, thereby explicitly defining the protocol for assault leave. This change is anticipated to enhance the support for employees facing violent incidents at work, aiming to foster a safer and more secure working environment within educational institutions. It is essential for addressing the unique challenges encountered by employees in settings where they might face physical confrontations, such as classroom environments, and thus can help in re-establishing confidence in their workplace safety.
SB67 introduces a provision for paid leave for employees of junior college districts and university systems who are physically assaulted while performing their duties. The bill aims to establish a clear framework that allows affected personnel to take advantage of this leave without it detracting from their accrued leave or pay. Specifically, the bill outlines the entitlement to an adequate number of leave days necessary for recuperation from any physical injuries sustained due to assault. Notably, this leave would be offered at the employee's regular pay rate, adjusted for any workers' compensation benefits they may receive.
During the discussions around SB67, there were points of contention regarding the practical implementation and the potential financial ramifications for educational institutions. Some legislators expressed concerns about the implications for funding and the administrative burden that would come with processing these additional leave requests. Moreover, defining what constitutes an assault that qualifies for leave also raised discussions about the language used in the bill, and the legislature debated the stipulations needed to prevent misuse of the provided leave.