Maine Revised Statutes Title 26. Labor and Industry § 850. Employment leave for victims of violence

1. Required leave. An employer must grant reasonable and necessary leave from work, with or without pay, for an employee to:

The leave must be needed because the employee or the employee's child, parent or spouse is a victim of violence, assault, sexual assaults under Title 17-A, chapter 11,  1 stalking or any act that would support an order for protection under Title 19-A, chapter 103.  2 An employer may not sanction an employee or deprive an employee of pay or benefits for exercising a right granted by this section.

1-A. Definitions. For purposes of this subchapter, “child” has the same meaning as “daughter” or “son” under federal regulations adopted pursuant to 29 United States Code, Section 2654, as in effect on January 1, 2002. For purposes of this subchapter, “parent” and “spouse” have the same meanings as under federal regulations adopted pursuant to 29 United States Code, Section 2654, as in effect on January 1, 2002. An employer may require an employee to provide reasonable documentation of the family relationship, which may include a statement from the employee, a birth certificate, a court document or similar documents.

2. Exceptions. Subsection 1 is not violated if:

3. Penalties. If notice of a violation of this section is given to the employer and the Department of Labor within 6 months of the occurrence, the Department of Labor may assess penalties as follows:

4. Application. This subchapter applies to all public and private employers, including the State and its political subdivisions.