MASSACHUSETTS
The Sexual Assault and Stalking Protective Orders Act
Lead Sponsors: Senator Pamela P. Resor (D-Middlesex and Worcester) and Representative Peter J. Koutoujian (D-Tenth Middlesex)
This bill establishes mechanisms where by certain victims of rape and stalking may obtain protection from further abuse through the issuance of a criminally enforceable civil order of protection.
An Act To Establish Employment Leave And Safety Remedies To Victims Of Domestic Violence, Stalking And Sexual Assault
Lead Sponsor: Senator Cynthia Creem (D-1st Norfolk and Middlesex)
This bill requires employers to allow employees who are victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault to take up to fifteen days of leave from work in any twelve month period, with or without pay, to address issues arising from the abuse. Circumstances which would require time off to be granted would be limited including; obtaining a court order of protection, seeking medical attention, meeting with law enforcement officials, and attending appointments for counseling, or legal assistance.
An Act Relative to Housing Discrimination against Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking
Lead Sponsor: Senator Cynthia Creem (D-1st Norfolk and Middlesex)
This bill adds victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking to those protected against housing discrimination. In addition, the bill creates a vehicle for victims of these crimes to vacate their lease or rental agreements without penalty when their safety is at risk.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
An Act Relative to the Extension of Restraining Orders Under the Domestic Violence Protection Act
Lead Sponsors: Senator Robert Clegg, Jr. (R-District 14) and Senator Sylvia Larsen (D-District 15)
This bill permits the court to extend a domestic violence protective order for a 5-year period under such terms as are necessary to provide for the safety of the petitioner.
An Act to Establishing the Crime Victim Employment Leave Act
Lead Sponsor: Rep. Peter M. Sullivan (D-District 10)
This bill establishes the crime victim employment leave act which requires that employers allow employees who are victims of certain crimes to leave work to attend court or other legal or investigative proceedings associated with the prosecution of the crime, or to attend counseling sessions necessitated by the crime.
