Kentucky lawmakers filed legislation Monday that would enable employers to petition courts for protection orders in cases where their employees have been subject to workplace violence.
House Bill 739 would be applicable in cases where employees are threatened with, or are the target of, workplace violence, including incidents perpetrated by current or former romantic partners.
The bill says if an employer has specific knowledge that a worker is the target of workplace violence, it must inform the individual before seeking the protection order.
Employees who either participate in the protection order filing process or those who must attend hearings relating to an employer-sought protection order would be permitted to participate in the process without having to use paid or unpaid leave.
Courts would determine the period of time covered by a protection order, but not to exceed three years.
Under the bill, violating a protection order would be a class A misdemeanor.
The measure was sent to the House Committee on Committees for consideration.