Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 936, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to protect an individual's eligibility for unemployment benefits in situations where the individual voluntarily separates from employment because the individual or the individual's minor child is a victim of domestic or sexual violence.

Specifically, this measure specifies that when a person voluntarily separates from employment due to domestic or sexual violence the voluntary separation is deemed to be with good cause.

Your Committee finds that, under present law, a voluntary separation from employment without good cause disqualifies an individual from receiving unemployment benefits. This measure ensures that such a person will not be deemed to have voluntarily separated without good cause.

Your Committee further finds that this measure will enable victims of domestic or sexual violence to maintain the financial independence necessary to leave abusive situations.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 936, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.