Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor David J. Canepa, District 5
Subject: Resolution Authorizing Expanded Leave for County Employee Crime Victims
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing paid leave for San Mateo County employees who qualify for leave pursuant to the County's Leave for Crime Victims Policy.
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BACKGROUND:
The County has a number of employee leave policies, including an existing policy providing unpaid leave to employees who are victims of certain crimes. Generally, benefits and payments during leave are set forth by Federal and State laws, Board ordinances, resolutions, County policies, and memoranda of agreements with unions.
Being the victim of a serious crime can be a traumatic event. Victims may need to seek medical services or counseling, take action to increase their physical or mental safety, or attend legal proceedings. These activities may require an employee to miss work.
Recognizing these needs, the County has a Leave for Crime Victims Policy modeled after state law. The County's policy allows victims of stalking, domestic violence, sexual assault, a crime that caused physical injury, or a crime that caused mental injury with a threat of physical injury, as well as employees whose immediate family member is deceased as the direct result of any crime, to take unpaid time off to engage in the types of activities described above.
DISCUSSION:
It is recommended that the County provide up to 40 hours of qualifying paid leave within a 12-month period for employees who qualify for leave pursuant to the County's Leave for Crime Victims Policy. This will provide additional support for County employees who have been victimized by serious crimes and who may be reluctant to take steps to recover from the criminal acts if they would have to deplete existing leave banks or do not have sufficient paid leave available. Providing pr...
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