Senate Bill 16 – Protective Orders and Unemployment
Authored by Sen. Lonnie Randolph (D-East Chicago)

Provides that an individual is not subject to disqualification from eligibility for unemployment benefits because of discharge from the individual’s employment due to circumstances directly related to the individual’s filing of a petition for a protective order.

Chamber Position: Neutral (as passed in committee)

The Latest: Heard and passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday 9-1.

Chamber Action/Commentary: Before the bill was heard this week, the Indiana Chamber worked with the Senate Judiciary Committee Chair, Sen. Randy Head (R-Logansport), to remove the provision that would permit an employee to sue his or her employer for a dismissal involving a protective order. Removing this private right of action was imperative for our member companies.

With that harmful language removed, the Chamber is now neutral – despite somewhat similar language already being in statute.

Resource: Mike Ripley at (317) 264-6883 or e-mail: mripley@indianachamber.com