Plain English Breakdown
The official bill summary confirms the existence of these provisions but does not provide the detailed text needed to explain exactly what constitutes harassment, retaliation, or the specific rules for jury trials.
HB306: Workplace Harassment and Retaliation Laws
This bill creates a new legal way for workers in Georgia to sue if they face harassment or retaliation at their job.
What This Bill Does
- Creates a cause of action, which is the right to file a lawsuit, for workplace harassment and retaliation.
- Provides specific definitions for terms used in these cases.
- Allows certain facts in these trials to be decided by a jury instead of just a judge.
- Sets up an affirmative defense that employers can use during a trial.
- Establishes a statute of limitations, which is the time limit to file a lawsuit.
- Defines what relief and damages workers may receive.
Who It Names or Affects
- Workers in Georgia who experience harassment or retaliation at their jobs.
- Employers in Georgia who face lawsuits related to workplace conduct.
- Courts that will hear these new types of cases under Title 34 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.
Terms To Know
- Cause of action
- A legal reason or right to file a lawsuit in court.
- Affirmative defense
- An argument an employer can make during a trial regarding liability.
- Statute of limitations
- The specific amount of time a person has to file a lawsuit before it is too late.
Limits and Unknowns
- The official text excerpt provided does not list the exact definitions for harassment or retaliation.
- The bill summary mentions an effective date but does not state when this law will start working.
- The specific amounts of money available as damages are not detailed in the provided source material.