ASSEMBLY LABOR COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1658

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: SEPTEMBER 19, 1996

      The Assembly Labor Committee favorably reports Assembly Bill No. 1658, with committee amendments.

      This bill, the "Workplace Violence Safety Act," would allow employers to seek emergency ex parte relief in the nature of a temporary restraining order on behalf of an employee who has been a victim of an assault, harassment, stalking or who has suffered a credible threat of violence.

      Under the provisions of the bill, in any proceeding where a temporary restraining order is sought, the court may issue an order restraining the defendant from making any communication likely to cause annoyance or alarm, including contacting the victim or others with whom communication would be likely to cause annoyance or alarm. In addition, the court may issue an order forbidding the defendant from possessing any firearm or issue an order requiring the defendant to pay a fine or reimburse the victim for any reasonable medical expenses, including reasonable counseling costs or any other appropriate relief. Any person who violates any order issued pursuant to this act would be guilty of a disorderly persons offense.

      The committee amendment to the bill removes the obligation of employers to develop a training course and curriculum concerning the handling, investigation and response procedures concerning reports of violence in the workplace. The Department of Labor, however, would be required to develop such a program for State agencies.