News Notes: New Law Expands Right To Time Off For Court Appearances

A new measure signed by Governor Davis expands existing law that permits employees to take unpaid time off from work to serve on a jury or act as a witness. The new law specifies that an employee who is a victim of domestic violence or other crimes may also take time off to attend court proceedings, and that workers may use accrued paid leave to do so. The employee must give you reasonable advance notice unless an emergency court appearance is required in a domestic violence matter. As with current law, it’s illegal to retaliate against an employee for taking time off for a reason allowed by this statute. The law takes effect January 1, 2000.