HB 2590

Abstract

Creates the Workplace Violence Prevention Act. Contains a purpose statement and defines terms. Provides that an employer may seek an order of protection to prohibit further violence or threats of violence by a person if: (1) the employee has suffered unlawful violence or a credible threat of violence from the person; and (2) the unlawful violence has been carried out at the employee's place of work or the credible threat of violence can reasonably be constructed to be carried out at the employee's place of work by the person. Provides that an employer may obtain an order of protection under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 if the employer: (1) files an affidavit that shows, to the satisfaction of the court, reasonable proof that an employee has suffered either unlawful violence or a credible threat of violence by the defendant; and (2) demonstrates that great or irreparable harm has been suffered, will be suffered, or is likely to be suffered by the employee. Provides that employer remedies under the Act are limited to an order of protection, but that nothing in the Act waives, reduces, or diminishes any other remedy available to an employer under any other mechanism. Provides that the Act does not apply to cases involving or growing out of a labor dispute governed by other State or federal law. Provides that issues of jurisdiction, venue, procedure, and enforcement shall be governed by the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986, and that law enforcement personnel shall have the same responsibilities as provided in that Act.