Bill · S. 4635· Senate(119-S-4635)
SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 5/21/2026
- Last activity
- 5/21/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sponsored by
- Patty Murray
- Cosponsors
- - 9 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026 aims to increase the economic security and safety of people experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The bill establishes a "safe leave" entitlement, allowing employees to take up to 40 days of leave to address qualifying acts of violence. It also includes provisions for survivors' employment sustainability, including required reasonable accommodations and protections against discrimination. Furthermore, the act provides entitlements to unemployment compensation for victims and offers various insurance protections. Finally, it supports public health infrastructure and education programs to assist victims and their employers.
Yes· 3 of 16
Would women be better off under this?+7
The bill specifically targets gender-based violence and provides job security and leave for women disproportionately affected by such violence.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+6
The bill implements strict confidentiality and non-disclosure protections for victims' personal and medical information.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
The bill provides emergency benefits and unemployment access for those facing financial instability due to violence.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Safe Leave Entitlement: Employees are entitled to ups to 40 days of leave per year to deal with issues like seeking counseling, legal assistance, or securing housing (Section 201).
- Paid Leave Provisions: At least 10 of the 40 days of safe leave must be paid, providing direct financial support to survivors (Section 201).
- Job Security and Reinstatement: Workers are entitled to be restored to their original position or an equivalent one upon returning from leave, ensuring they do not lose their livelihood (Section 201).
- Employment Protections: The bill prohibits employers from discriminating against or retaliating against individuals who request leave or reasonable accommodations (Section 202, Section 303).
- Reasonable Accomقmodations: Qualified employees can request job-related modifications, such as schedule changes or workplace security adjustments, to help them stay employed safely (Section 302).
- Unemployment Compensation Access: Individuals who must separate from their jobs due to violence are protected from being denied unemployment benefits (Section 401).
- Insurance Protections: Insurers are prohibited from denying or canceling coverage based on an individual's status as a victim of violence (Section 502).
- Privacy Protections: The bill prohibits insurers from using or disclosing a victim's status or medical information without their consent (Section 504).
- Public Awareness: A national outreach and education campaign will be created to provide information on resources and rights available to victims (Section 511).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Unpaid Leave Burden: While 10 days are paid, the remaining days of the 40-day leave period may be unpaid, which could create financial strain for some survivors (Section 201).
- Employer Hardship Exception: Employers may refuse to provide certain reasonable accommodations if they can demonstrate that the request would impose an "undue hardship" on their business operations (Section 302).
- Life Insurance Limitations: Life insurance companies are still permitted to decline coverage if the applicant is a designated beneficiary and has a history of committing qualifying acts of violence (Section 505).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women+7Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Middle Class Households+3Good For Union Workers+3
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+5Improves Healthcare Access+4Increases Affordable Care Act Support+3
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Unemployment Benefits+5Improves Consumer Protection+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+4Improves Affordable Housing+3Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform+1Improves Racial Equity+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+6Improves Government Transparency+2
- Education And Technology
- Improves Student Loan Relief+1
- 6/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/21/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 9 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
3 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Angela AlsobrooksDemocrat · Maryland
Tammy BaldwinDemocrat · Wisconsin
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont
Jeanne ShaheenDemocrat · New Hampshire
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon