Effective January 1, HB 3582 took effect and expanded the types of crimes for which victims are entitled to take leave under the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA). With enactment of the law, VESSA leave, which was previously limited to sexual or domestic violence, is now available to workers in Illinois who are victims of (or whose family or household members are victims of) certain violent crimes, including but not limited to murder, sexual solicitation and abuse, harassing and obscene communications, terrorism and armed violence. VESSA requires employers with one to 14 workers to grant four weeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period to covered employees; those with 15-49 employees must grant eight weeks of unpaid leave and employers with 50 or more are to grant 12 weeks unpaid leave in any 12-month period. VESSA leave may be taken for a host of reasons including seeking medical attention, obtaining victim services or counseling, getting safety planning or obtaining legal advice.