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Subcommittee backs employer policy requiring workplace-violence reporting and protections for larger employers
Summary
HB 1,919 would require employers with 100 or more employees to adopt workplace-violence policies, reporting and anti-retaliation safeguards; the subcommittee reported the measure 4–2 after testimony from unions and some employer concerns.
Delegate Ward presented HB 1,919, which would require employers with 100 or more employees to adopt workplace-violence policies by January 2026. The bill would establish reporting mechanisms, emergency-response procedures, documentation of reports, anti-retaliation protections for reporters and provide a civil-liability remedy for employees who report workplace violence.
Supporters from unions and grocery/retail workers said workplace violence is a growing problem, citing grocery stores and retail locations as common sites for incidents and urging the need for preparedness and employee protection. UFCW Local 400, CWA Virginia State Council, and domestic-worker groups testified in favor.
Opponents or concerned parties were limited; some industry representatives said policies exist but raised questions about frivolous or retaliatory complaints and recordkeeping burdens.
Committee action: The subcommittee voted to report HB 1,919 by a vote of 4–2.
Why it matters: The bill would require larger employers to plan for, record and respond to threats and incidents of workplace violence and protect employees from retaliation for reporting.
