Time Off to Vote Act

Time Off to Vote Act

This bill requires an employer, upon the request of an employee, to provide the employee with a minimum of two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in a federal election.

The employer may determine the two-hour period, excluding any lunch break or other break.

Taking such leave shall not result in the employee losing accrued employment benefits.

The bill makes it unlawful for an employer to interfere with the right to take such leave or for an employer to discriminate against an employee for taking such leave. Further, the bill makes it unlawful for any employer to retaliate against an employee for (1) opposing any practice made unlawful by this bill; (2) filing a charge, or instituting or causing to be instituted any proceeding, under or related to this bill; or (3) testifying or preparing to testify in an inquiry or proceeding relating to such leave.

The bill specifies penalties for employers who violate these provisions.

Bill 117 HR 7489, also known as the Time Off to Vote Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to ensure that all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate in elections by providing them with paid time off to vote.

Under the Time Off to Vote Act, employers would be required to give their employees at least two hours of paid time off to vote in federal elections. This time off would be in addition to any existing leave policies that the employer may have in place. Employers would also be prohibited from taking any adverse actions against employees who request time off to vote.

The bill also includes provisions for penalties for employers who fail to comply with the requirements of the Time Off to Vote Act. Employers who violate the law could face fines and other penalties. Overall, the Time Off to Vote Act aims to remove barriers to voting and ensure that all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. By providing paid time off to vote, this legislation seeks to increase voter turnout and promote civic engagement among all Americans.