JEFFERSON CITY – This week, Representative Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City, sponsored four pieces of legislation aimed at preventing violence in homes and workplaces.

"Currently, there are employment practices in place that put the safety of employees at risk," said Rep. Chappelle-Nadal. "It is hard enough to leave a violent situation, and the fact that victims of domestic violence are put back into danger because of carelessness or ignorance on the part of their employer is unacceptable."

HB 426 establishes measures for additional workplace safety, HB 427 creates a workplace domestic violence safety and education program, HB 428 establishes a tax credit for employer expenses in developing domestic violence prevention programs, and HB 429 creates tax credit for implementing workplace violence safety and education programs. The legislation was filed in response to increasing concerns over escalating violence in the workplace and the ongoing effort to stop domestic violence.

"These bills are an important step toward freeing Missouri's homes and businesses from the specter of violence." said Rep. Chappelle-Nadal. "The lives of too many of our citizens are ruined or ended by behavior that can be identified and treated."

The bills will now be assigned to committee to await a public hearing.