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Summary Legislation on Sexual Harassment in the Legislature

Updated February 11, 2019
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2019 Legislation
 
2019 Legislation on Sexual Harassment
State Bill Number Summary Status Link
Alabama SR 8 A Adopts the Rules of the Senate. Adopted Link
California A 628 Extends employment protections to victims of sexual harassment. Also extends these employment protections to specified family members of the victims for taking time off from work to provide assistance to the victims when seeking relief or obtaining specified services and counseling. Applies these protections to state and local public employers and to the Legislature. Pending Link
California A 991 Makes nonsubstantive changes in various provisions of law to effectuate the recommendations made by the Legislative Counsel to the Legislature. Pending Link
California 1094 Alleges conduct by a Member of the Legislature that constitutes sexual harassment, prohibit either house of the Legislature from paying any compromise or settlement of the action. Pending Link
California HR 1 Adopts the Standing Rules of the Assembly for the 2019-20 Regular Session. Adopted Link
Connecticut H 5271 Increases sexual harassment prevention training for certain entities. Failed Link
Connecticut H 7044 Concerns sexual harassment in the workplace, requires an employer having a certain number or more employees to post in a prominent and accessible location information concerning the illegality of sexual harassment and remedies available to victims of sexual harassment. Failed - Adjourned Link
Connecticut HJR 3 Concerns the joint rules of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Failed Link
Connecticut S 3 Relates to combating sexual assault and sexual harassment, requires an employer provide a copy of the information concerning the illegality of sexual harassment and remedies available to victims of sexual harassment to each employee by electronic mail with a subject line that includes the words Sexual Harassment Policy or words of similar import. Enacted Link
Connecticut SJR 1 Concerns joint rules. Adopted Link
Delaware HR 3 Relates to temporary rules of the house of representatives of the 150th general assembly of the state of Delaware. Adopted Link
Delaware SR 2 Relates to the rules of the State Senate. Adopted Link
Florida HORG 1 Relates to establishing the Rules of the State House of Representatives for the upcoming biennial term. Adopted Link
Florida S 236 Relates to public records and meetings, provides an exception to the expiration of certain public records and public meetings exemptions under specified circumstances. Failed Link
Florida S 240 Relates to sexual harassment, creates the Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Misconduct, requires that the task force meet by a specified date, provides for the staffing and the composition of the task force, prescribes duties of and requirements for the task force, requires the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature before a specified date, authorizes reimbursement for per diem and travel expenses. Failed Link
Florida 2 Reaffirms commitment to ethics, open government, and preventing sexual harassment. Link
Georgia SR 4 Adopts the Rules of the Senate. Adopted Link
Iowa HR 6 Relates to the code of ethics of the House of Representatives for the Eighty-eighth General Assembly. Adopted Link
Iowa HSB 97 Relates to the code of ethics of the House of Representatives for the Eighty-eighth General Assembly. Pending - Carryover Link
Illinois H 361 Amends the Governmental Ethics Act, provides fines for legislators who engage in specified restricted activities and for violations of legislator rules of conduct, provides that any person who willfully Files a false or incomplete statement of economic interests under the Act may be subject to a fine not to exceed, for each offense, a certain amount, amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. Pending Link
Illinois H 1474 Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, provides for specified rights of complainants under the Act. Pending Link
Illinois H 3249 Creates the First 2019 General Revisory Act, combines multiple versions of sections amended by more than one Public Act, renumbers sections of various acts to eliminate duplication, corrects obsolete cross references and technical errors, makes stylistic changes. Enacted Link
Illinois H 3380 Amends the Election Code, prohibits a political committee from making expenditures for payments pursuant to a settlement agreement entered by a public official or candidate related to allegations of sexual harassment or unlawful discrimination under State or federal law. Pending Link
Illinois HR 59 Adopts the House Rules for the 101st General Assembly. Adopted Link
Illinois HR 62 Adopts the House Rules for the 101st General Assembly. Pending Link
Illinois S 1426 Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, provides that the appointing authorities shall appoint both members of the General Assembly and members of the general public to the Legislative Ethics Commission, provides that the Legislative Inspector General may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses for the purposes of testimony and production of documents and other items for inspection and copying and to make service of those subpoenas. Pending Link
Indiana H 1581 Relates to private representation of public officials, prohibits a public official who is sued in the public official's personal capacity and is alleged to have acted outside the scope of the public official's duties, or is charged with a crime unrelated to the public official's duties from using public funds to pay for private legal counsel, prohibits the public official from using public funds to pay a judgment or settlement under certain circumstances, declares certain nondisclosure agreements entered. Failed - Adjourned Link
Kentucky BR 179 Makes it ethical misconduct for a legislator, legislative agent, or employee of the legislative branch to engage in sexual harassment, defines sexual harassment and complaint, grants the Legislative Ethics Commission jurisdiction to investigate and proceed upon receipt of a complaint from a legislator, legislative agent, or employee of the legislative branch regarding sexual harassment allegedly committed by a legislator, legislative agent, or employee of the legislative branch. Failed - Adjourned Link
Kentucky BR 212 Creates new sections to make it ethical misconduct for a legislator, legislative agent, or director of the Legislative Research Commission to engage in discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment, defines discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and workplace complaint. Failed - Adjourned Link
Kentucky H 60 Makes it ethical misconduct for a legislator, legislative agent, or director of the Legislative Research Commission to engage in discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment. Failed - Adjourned Link
Kentucky H 83 Makes it ethical misconduct for a legislator, legislative agent, or employee of the legislative branch to engage in sexual harassment. Failed - Adjourned Link
Kentucky S 6 Requires disclosure of executive agency lobbyist compensation, prohibits executive agency lobbyist compensation contingent on the awarding of a government contract or based on a percentage of a government contract awarded. Enacted Link
Kentucky S 130 Requires that any financial settlement resulting from actions of members or staff of the general assembly and implemented with the expenditure of public funds be disclosed by the person or persons who authorized or approved the settlement to the Legislative Ethics Commission, including financial settlements resulting from cases of breach of contract, discrimination, harassment, severance at termination of employment, and sexual harassment. Failed - Adjourned Link
Louisiana S 182 Provides for reimbursement of taxpayer dollars used to pay sexual harassment judgments or settlements. Enacted Link
Massachusetts H 2019 (Order) Proposes the adoption of House Rules for the 191st General Court governing the legislative session. Pending Link
Massachusetts H 2020 Proposes the adoption of House Rules for the 191st General Court governing the legislative session. Adopted Link
Massachusetts H 3572 Relates to workplace harassment in the State House. Pending Link
Massachusetts H 3596 Submits the Executive Summary of the Special Committee on Professional Conduct in the Matter of Representative Paul McMurtry in regards to an incident of alleged inappropriate conduct at the Academy for New Legislators at UMass Amherst on December 13 of 2018. Pending Link
Massachusetts S 8 (Order) Proposes Senate Rules recommended by the temporary committee on Rules to be adopted as the permanent rules of the Senate for 2019-2020. Adopted Link
Massachusetts S 18 Contains the amended text of the permanent rules of the Senate. Pending Link
Massachusetts S 871 Prohibits the use of public funds to pay awards, fines or settlements in cases where public officials are found responsible or guilty of sexual harassment or assault. Pending Link
Massachusetts S 1898 Promotes equality and respect in the legislature. Pending Link
Maryland H 679 Prohibits certain individuals granted special access to the State legislative complex from unlawfully harassing or discriminating against certain individuals, requires the Department of General Services, if requested by a certain individual, to revoke access granted to a person who violates certain provisions of the Act or a regulated lobbyist who violates a certain provision of law, alters the definition of "employee" for the purposes of certain Laws governing discrimination in employment. Enacted Link
Maine 599 Expands the scope of harassment prevention training required for Legislators, legislative staff, and lobbyists to include racial harassment. Enacted Link
Michigan HR 1 Prescribes the Standing Rules of the House of Representatives. Adopted Link
Michigan SR 2 Relates to Senate Rules. Adopted Link
Minnesota H 2439 Relates to government accountability, provides for state and local government settlement accountability and transparency, requires reports. Pending - Carryover Link
Minnesota S 1011 Relates to government accountability, provides for state and local government settlement accountability and transparency, requires reports. Pending - Carryover Link
Missouri  H 691 Requires legislative lobbyists and legislative liaisons to complete sexual harassment training offered by the Missouri Ethics Commission. Failed - Adjourned Link
Missouri  HR 7 Relates to the rules of the General Assembly. Failed - Adjourned Link
Missouri  HR 137 Relates to Committee on Ethics Rules of Procedure. Failed - Adjourned Link
Montana D 2197 Concerns the senate Joint Resolution on the joint rules, relates to legislature. Failed - Adjourned Link
Montana SJR 1 Concerns the Senate joint resolution on adopted Joint Rules. Adopted Link
North Carolina H 817 Creates a confidential process for reporting and resolving incidents of sexual harassment and other improper workplace behavior in the General Assembly, requires training to prevent workplace harassment and other improper workplace behavior in the General Assembly, adopts clear sanctions, appropriates funds. Pending Link
North Carolina S 660 Requires the General Assembly to develop and implement mandatory ethics training to prevent workplace harassment and other forms of discrimination in the workplace, adopts clear sanctions policies for workplace harassment and other forms of workplace discrimination at the General Assembly, creates and implements a complaint filing process that is confidential, appropriates funds. Pending Link
New Hampshire H 363 Establishes the legislature as a public employer under the Public Employee Labor Relations Act, establishes procedures for collective bargaining by nonpartisan employees, requires the Joint Committee on Legislative Facilities to adopt and enforce a policy against sexual and other unlawful harassment and discrimination, and provide mandatory training on the policy for Legislators and legislative staff. Pending Link
New Hampshire S 235 Authorizes an independent human resources professional in the general court administrative office, who shall be responsible for complaints involving sexual harassment, allows the legislative facilities committee to propose rules for required training on harassment and discrimination. To Governor Link
New Jersey A 1018 Makes certain access changes to open public records act, establishes State public finance website, creates program for development of local websites, makes appropriation. Failed Link
New Jersey A 3312 Requires the Legislature to adopt and distribute policy prohibiting sexual harassment, requires members, officers, and employees of the Legislature to complete online training on policy once every two years. Pending Link
New Jersey A 3608 Bars use of certain funds and nondisclosure agreements to settle sexual assault and harassment claims against certain State officers and employees, members of Legislature, and candidates. Pending Link
New Jersey A 4241 Makes certain access changes to the Open Public Records Act, establishes a state public finance website, creates a program for the development of local websites, makes an appropriation. Pending Link
New Jersey ACR 203 Constitutes special committee of Senate and General Assembly entitled the Legislative Select Oversight Committee, relates to investigations of public sector screening practices with respect to the employment of individuals with a history of alleged criminal misconduct, including sexual assault, abuse, or harassment. Pending Link
New Jersey S 107 Revises provisions relating to certain access changes to the Open Public Records Act, establishes a state public finance website, creates a program for the development of local websites, authorizes the redaction of information that is exempt from public access. Pending Link
New Jersey 1972 Requires Legislature to adopt and distribute policy prohibiting sexual harassment, requires members, officers, and employees of Legislature to complete online training on policy once every two years. Pending Link
New Jersey S 2395 Bars use of certain funds and nondisclosure agreements to settle sexual assault and harassment claims against certain State officers and employees, members of Legislature, and candidates. Pending Link
New Jersey S 3315 Permits self administration of hydrocortisone sodium succinate by students for adrenal insufficiency, requires that school districts and nonpublic schools establish a policy for the emergency administration of medication. Pending Link
New Jersey SCR 147 Constitutes a special committee of the Senate and General Assembly entitled the Legislative Select Committee on Investigation. Pending Link
New Jersey SCR 148 Constitutes a special committee of Senate and General Assembly entitled the Legislative Select Oversight Committee, provides that the Committee will investigate public sector screening practices with respect to the employment of individuals with a history of alleged criminal misconduct and focus on how allegations of sexual assault, abuse, or harassment are handled by the government. Adopted Link
New Mexico H 551 Relates to lobbyists, requires that lobbyists participate in training to prevent sexual harassment, allows the Secretary of State to accept, investigate and respond to complaints of sexual harassment by lobbyists. Failed - Adjourned Link
Nevada ACR 1 Adopts the Joint Standing Rules of the Senate and Assembly for the 80th Session of the Legislature. Adopted Link
Nevada ACR 10 Amends the Joint Standing Rules of the Senate and Assembly for the 80th Session of the Legislature (BDR R-1296). Adopted Link
New York A 586 Establishes a Joint Commission on Public Transparency and Sexual Harassment to adopt, amend, and rescind rules and regulations defining sexual harassment for state agencies, offices, and branches of government and develop recommendations for the uniform distribution of such definitions and policies, and to receive complaints and referrals alleging violations by certain state officials. Pending Link
New York A 630 Amends the Executive Law, requires employers to annually report to the Division of Human Rights the number of settlements with employees and other individuals performing services in the workplace regarding claims of discrimination on the basis of sex, including verbal and physical sexual harassment, provides for legal remedies for violations of the reporting requirement, requires the Division of Human Rights to provide an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature. Pending Link
New York A 717 Amends the Legislative Law, requires reporting on complaints related to sexual harassment by a lobbyist. Pending Link
New York A 5208 Amends the Legislative Law, relates to an assembly standing committee on ethics and guidance. Pending Link
New York A 7881 Amends the Public Officers Law, prohibits officers or employees of a state agency, members of the legislature or legislative employees from committing acts of sexual harassment while serving in his or her official capacity. Pending Link
New York S 698 Amends the Legislative Law, establishes that no lobbyist shall commit an act of sexual harassment while engaging in lobbying or lobbying activities. Pending Link
New York S 1302 Establishes a joint commission on public transparency and sexual harassment to adopt, amend and rescind rules and regulations defining sexual harassment for state agencies, offices, and branches of government and develop recommendations for the uniform distribution of such definitions and policies, and to receive complaints and referrals alleging violations by certain state officials. Pending Link
New York S 2677 Relates to policies regarding the prevention of sexual harassment in the legislature. Pending Link
New York S 3464 Amends the Legislative Law, requires reporting of the number of sexual harassment complaints by clients of lobbyists. Pending Link
New York S 3745 Relates to the crime of official misconduct for sexual harassment for members of the state legislature, makes it a Class A misdemeanor. Pending Link
New York S 3747 Amends the Public Officers Law, prohibits officers or employees of a state agency, members of the legislature, or legislative employees from committing acts of sexual harassment while serving in his or her official capacity. Pending Link
Oregon H 3411 Requires reporting of physical sexual harassment by legislative officials and registered lobbyists. Failed Link
Oregon HCR 20 Establishes standards of conduct applicable to legislative branch and other persons present in State Capitol. Adopted Link
Oregon HCR 26 Establishes standards of conduct applicable to Legislative Branch and lobbyists. Failed Link
Oregon S 477 Establishes proceeding whereby person may obtain court order temporarily excluding legislator or other elected official from Capitol or other workplace, if court determines that reasonable cause exists for physical presence of legislator or elected official in Capitol or other workplace to create hostile environment for others, establishes limits on duration of exclusion order. Failed - Adjourned Link
Oregon S 478 Prohibits campaign moneys and public moneys from being used to make payments in connection with nondisclosure agreement relating to harassment in workplace, prohibits public official or candidate from using moneys received from third parties to make payments in connection with nondisclosure agreement relating to harassment in workplace, if alleged harassment occurred when public official or candidate was acting as public official or candidate. Enacted Link
Pennsylvania H 366 Amends the act of April 9, 1929, known as The Fiscal Code, in general budget implementation, provides for prohibited expenditures in general. Pending Link
Pennsylvania H 1000 Amends Title 46 Legislature of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, provides for professional conduct. Pending Link
Pennsylvania H 1619 Relates to ethics standards and financial disclosures, provides for purpose, restricted activities, powers and duties of the Commission, investigations by the Commission, and for penalties. Pending Link
Pennsylvania HR 1 Adopts permanent rules for the House of Representatives, provides for members' and employees' expenses, order of business, general appropriation and nonpreferred bills, consideration of bills, third consideration and final passage bills, bills amended by the Senate, House and concurrent resolutions, standing committees and subcommittees, organization of standing committees and subcommittees, and for powers and duties of standing committees and subcommittees. Adopted Link
Pennsylvania S 480 Amends Title 46 Legislature of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, provides for professional conduct. Pending Link
Rhode Island H 5037 (Resolution) Adopts the Rules of the House of Representatives for the years 2019 and 2020, amends to add rules relating to sexual harassment and discrimination. Adopted Link
Rhode Island H 5360 Proposes an amendment to the house rules which would allow closed session meetings with respect to all sexual harassment and discrimination complaints and investigations to maintain the confidentiality of all complaints. Pending Link
Texas H 4623 Relates to a prohibition against the creation of a fund and the use of state money by a state elected official or a state elected official's staff to settle or pay a sexual harassment claim made against a state elected official or the state elected official's staff. Failed - Adjourned Link
Texas S 56 Relates to employment discrimination training for members of the legislature and state or legislative employees and interns. Failed - Adjourned Link
Texas 1577 Relates to a prohibition against the appropriation of money to settle or pay a sexual harassment claim made against certain members of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of state government. Failed - Adjourned Link
Texas SJR 6 Proposes a constitutional amendment establishing the Sexual Harassment Oversight Commission. Failed - Adjourned Link
Virginia H 371 Establishes the Sexual Harassment Training Act, requires every legislative branch employee to complete a sexual harassment training course every two calendar years, provides that the training shall be provided online, provides that the elected members of the House and Senate shall complete the training by each respective Clerk, requires the Clerks of the House and Senate to maintain records of completed training on sexual harassment. Enacted Link
Virginia H 1053 Relates to policies against workplace harassment, relates to legislative branch, requires each legislative branch agency to adopt and implement the Commonwealth Workplace Harassment Policy (CWHP) established by the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM), provides that CWHP will apply to legislative branch employees. Failed Link
Virginia H 1057 Relates to sexual harassment training, relates to legislative branch, requires General Assembly members, full time legislative staff of General Assembly members compensated with state appropriations, and full time employees of each legislative branch agency to complete sexual harassment training once every two calendar years through the Commonwealth of Virginia Learning Center administered by the Department of Human Resource Management. Failed Link
Virginia H 2083 Relates to policies against workplace harassment, relates to legislative branch, requires each legislative branch agency to adopt and implement the Commonwealth Workplace Harassment Policy established by the Department of Human Resource Management, provides that the Policy applies to legislative branch employees, including General Assembly members and members elect, when undertaking meetings with other state employees, contract employees, applicants for employment, customers, vendors, or members. Failed Link
Virginia S 796 Establishes the Sexual Harassment Training Act, requires every legislative branch employee to complete a sexual harassment training course every two calendar years, provides that the training shall be provided online, provides that the elected members of the House and Senate shall complete the training by each respective Clerk, requires the Clerks of the House and Senate to maintain records of completed training on sexual harassment. Enacted Link
Virginia S 892 Relates to sexual harassment training, relates to legislative branch, requires General Assembly members, full-time legislative staff of General Assembly members compensated with state appropriations, and full-time employees of each legislative branch agency to complete sexual harassment training once every calendar year through the Commonwealth of Virginia Learning Center administered by the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM), concerns persons elected to the General Assembly. Failed Link
Washington H 1692 Protects information concerning agency employees who have filed a claim of harassment or stalking, provides civil penalties, imposes a civil liability upon a person who requests and obtains a record and uses such to harass, stalk, threaten, or intimidate an agency employee. Enacted Link
Washington H 2018 Revises provisions relating to harassment and discrimination by legislators and legislative branch employees, provides definitions for special privileges, harassment, and sexual harassment. Enacted Link
Washington S 5845 Concerns sexual harassment policies, training, and reporting requirements throughout state government. Pending - Carryover Link

2018 Legislation
 
2018 Legislation on Sexual Harassment
State Bill Number Summary Status Link
Alaska HB 276 Relates to investigation of discrimination and harassment in the legislature, requires the executive director of the Legislative Affairs Agency to establish a personnel office, relates to the Legislative Ethics Act. Failed - Adjourned Link
Alabama SR 51 Adopts the legislative policy on sexual harassment. Adopted Link
Arizona HB 2544 Relates to legislators, relates to sexual harassment, relates to photographs, relates to confidentiality. Failed - Adjourned Link
Arizona HR 2003 Relates to Don Shooter, relates to expulsion. Adopted Link
California AB 403 Imposes criminal and civil liability on a member of the Legislature, or legislative employee, who interferes with, or retaliates against, a legislative employee's exercise of the right to make a protected disclosure. Imposes a civil liability on an entity that interferes with, or retaliates against, a legislative employee's exercise of the right to make a protected disclosure. Enacted Link
California AB 1750 Expresses the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would require an elected official to reimburse a public entity that pays any compromise or settlement of a claim or action involving conduct that constitutes sexual harassment, if an investigation reveals evidence supporting the claim of sexual harassment against the elected official. Failed - Adjourned Link
California AB 2055 Requires that an orientation course conducted semiannually by the legislative ethics committees of each house of the Legislature to include information on each house of the Legislature's policies against harassment, including sexual harassment, in connection with lobbying activities. Enacted Link
California AB 2616 States the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation ensuring the independent nature of an investigation into a sexual harassment complaint made by a legislative employee. Failed - Adjourned Link
California AB 2713 Requires the equal employment officer of each state agency to and annually on that date thereafter, submit a report to the Department of Human Resources that contains specified information relating to sexual harassment complaints received by, or filed with, that agency within a specified time period, and information relating to any judgment or settlement paid or received by the agency relating to sexual harassment. Vetoed Link
California AB 2959 States the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation establishing an independent ombudsperson under the jurisdiction of the State Auditor, to investigate allegations of sexual harassment in the Legislature. Failed - Adjourned Link
California SB 419 Amends the Unruh Civil Rights Act. Relates to sexual harassment. Declares that neither house of the Legislature may retaliate against a legislative advocate or employee, because that person has opposed any practices forbidden. Requires each house of the Legislature to maintain a record of each harassment complaint made to that house for a specified number of years. Enacted Link
California SB 908 Makes available under the Legislative Open Records Act complaint, investigation, and settlement records created after a specified date that relate to allegations of conduct by a Member of the Legislature that violates the sexual harassment policy of the house in which the Member serves. Requires each house of the Legislature to implement a system to separately identify and track allegations of violations of the sexual harassment policy of the house. Failed - Adjourned Link
California SR 85 Resolves that by the Senate of the State of California, two-thirds of the membership concurring, pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 5 of Article IV of the California Constitution, Senator Tony Mendoza, representing the 32nd Senate District, is hereby expelled from the California State Senate, effective immediately. Failed - Adjourned Link
Colorado HR 1005 Concerns the expulsion of representative Steve Lebsock. Adopted Link
Colorado SR 3 Concerns the expulsion of Senator Randy L. Baumgardner for sexual harassment of a legislative employee. Failed Link
Connecticut HB 5043 Revises provisions relating to a fair, civil, and harassment free workplace, revises the powers and duties of the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, requires certain employers to post information concerning the illegality of harassment and the remedies available to targets of such harassment, requires certain employers to provide awareness and antiharassment compliance training for all new supervisory employees. Failed - Adjourned Link
Connecticut SB 132 Combats sexual harassment and sexual assault, requires certain employers to provide information relating to the illegality of sexual harassment and remedies available to victims to new hires, requires submission of the information by electronic mails with a certain subject line or on the employer's website, requires certain training by a specified date, revises provisions relating to complaints and defenses of sexual harassment, makes technical corrections. Failed - Adjourned Link
Delaware HR 21 Creates the Permanent Rules of the House of Representatives replacing the Temporary Rules of the House of Representatives. Adopted Link
Delaware SR 17 Adds a new Rule 30 to the Senate Rules relating to Anti-Harassment Policy and Training. Adopted Link
Florida HB 1233 Relates to sexual harassment, creates the Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Misconduct, requires that the task force meet at 4-year intervals beginning on a specified date, provides for the staffing and the composition of the task force, prescribes duties of and requirements for the task force, requires the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature before a specified date. Failed Link
Florida HB 7091 Relates to public records, provides an exemption from public records requirements for a complaint of sexual harassment and certain information related to such complaint held by an agency, provides that such complaint is no longer confidential and exempt in certain circumstances, authorizes the release of confidential and exempt information in certain circumstances, provides for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption. Failed Link
Florida SB 1628 Relates to sexual harassment, creates the Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Misconduct, requires that the task force meet at 4-year intervals beginning on a specified date, provides for the staffing and the composition of the task force, prescribes duties of and requirements for the task force, requires the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature before a specified date. Failed Link
Georgia HB 973 Relates to ethics in government, so as to provide that lobbyists shall acknowledge receiving, reading, and agreeing to abide by the sexual harassment policy of the General Assembly as a condition to lobbyist registration. Enacted Link
Georgia SB 313 Requires the presentation of classes or courses relating to sexual harassment, provides for video recording and availability to absent members, provides for certification of attendance, amends Chapter 10 of Title 45 of the O.C.G.A., relates to codes of ethics and conflicts of interest, so as to further define the term sexual harassment, provides for a class on sexual harassment to be made available to state employees, provides that all department heads shall be presented such class. Failed - Adjourned Link
Iowa HR 4 Relates to the code of ethics of the House of Representatives for the Eighty-seventh General Assembly. Adopted Link
Iowa HSB 64 Relates to the code of ethics of the House of Representatives for the Eighty-seventh General Assembly. Failed - Adjourned Link
Illinois HB 4134 Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, provides for the implementation of a sexual harassment training program to be completed by specified State officials and employees, and to be conducted by the appropriate State agency of those State officials and employees, provides additional requirements for operation of the program, and for reporting and completion of sexual harassment training under the program. Failed - Adjourned Link
Illinois HB 4156 Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act and the Lobbyist Registration Act, provides that the Attorney General may appoint a Special Counsel to investigate and prosecute allegations of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and allegations of violations, thereof, by a member or members of the General Assembly or a registered lobbyist, requires the Attorney General to establish jurisdiction of the Special Counsel, provides duties and powers for Special Counsel. Failed - Adjourned Link
Illinois HB 4243 Amends the General Assembly Compensation Act, provides that no public funds, including, but not limited to, funds appropriated for the pay and allowances of members of the General Assembly, shall be used to create a payout of money to any person involved with and relevant to allegations and investigations of sexual harassment by a member of the General Assembly. Enacted Link
Illinois HB 5878 Amends the Governmental Ethics Act, provides fines for legislators who engage in specified restricted activities and for violations of legislator rules of conduct, provides that any person who willfully files a false or incomplete statement of economic interests under the Act may be subject to a fine, amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, provides fines for intentional failure to complete ethics training and sexual harassment training. Failed - Adjourned Link
Illinois HJR 83 Urges those in government to commit to working to change the culture that breads sexual harassment. Adopted Link
Illinois HR 687 Creates the Task Force on Sexual Discrimination and Harassment, directs the Task Force to conduct a comprehensive review of the legal and social consequences of sexual discrimination and harassment, in both the public and private sectors, and make recommendations to the General Assembly, provides specific areas of inquiry related to sexual discrimination and harassment to be addressed by the Task Force, provides for the composition of and appointments to the Task Force. Adopted Link
Illinois HR 890 Urges enactment of legislation necessary to appoint an independent special counsel to investigate and, where necessary, litigate and prosecute, allegations of sexual harassment, abuse, and misconduct in State government and political campaign organizations. Failed - Adjourned Link
Illinois HR 1165 Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives; adds a rule concerning reporting certain conduct by members of the House of Representatives. Adopted Link
Illinois SB 402 Amends the Administrative Procedure Act, relates to personnel policies, requires the General Assembly to adopt policies relating to sexual harassment, establishes provisions for sexual harassment training, establishes provisions prohibiting sexual harassment, revises provisions relating to duties of the Ethics Commission, provides penalties, amends the Lobbyist Registration Act, requires lobbyist to complete sexual harassment training annually, provides for a hotline to report sexual harassment. Enacted Link
Illinois SB 2248 Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, provides for the implementation of a sexual harassment training program to be completed by specified State officials and employees, and to be conducted by the appropriate State agency of those State officials and employees, provides additional requirements for operation of the program, and for reporting and completion of sexual harassment training under the program. Pending Link
Illinois SR 1076 Creates the Senate Task Force on Sexual Discrimination and Harassment Awareness and Prevention, directs the Task Force to conduct a comprehensive review of the legal and social consequences of sexual discrimination and harassment, in both the public and private sectors, and to study and make recommendations on combating sexual discrimination and harassment in , including in workplaces, in educational institutions, and in state and local government. Adopted Link
Indiana HB 1309 Requires sexual harassment prevention instruction to be provided annually to members of the general assembly, requires the personnel subcommittee of the legislative council to prepare and submit recommended sexual harassment prevention policies governing legislators to the legislative council. Enacted Link
Kansas HB 2365 Makes appropriations for FY 2018 through FY 2024 for state agencies, authorizes and directs payment of certain claims against the state, authorizes certain transfers, capital improvement projects and fees, imposes certain restrictions and limitations, directs or authorizes certain receipts, disbursements, procedures and acts incidental to the foregoing. Failed - Adjourned Link
Kentucky HB 9 Makes it ethical misconduct for a legislator, employee of the legislative branch, legislative agent, or other person who interacts with legislators or employees of the legislative branch to intentionally engage in harassment or sexual harassment, defines complaint as a verbal or written allegation of fraud, theft, ethical or official misconduct, discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment. Failed - Adjourned Link
Kentucky HB 610 Provides a process for staff of the Legislative Research Commission to file a complaint for sexual harassment with the Legislative Ethics Commission, prohibits a legislator, employee of the legislative branch of state government, legislative agent, or any other person who interacts with legislators and employees of the legislative branch from intentionally engaging in sexual harassment or entering into any agreement except under the provisions of KRS 6.601 to 6.849. Failed - Adjourned Link
Kentucky HCR 200 Creates a Task Force on Sexual Harassment to study and develop policies to address the issue of sexual harassment. Failed - Adjourned Link
Kentucky HR 10 Expels Representative Jeff Hoover from the Kentucky House of Representatives. Failed - Adjourned Link
Louisiana HB 524 Establishes policies on the prevention of sexual harassment, mandates sexual harassment and annual training on preventing sexual harassment, provides for mandatory policies prohibiting sexual harassment, provides for mandatory reports. Enacted Link
Louisiana SB 404 Provides relative to sexual harassment prevention policies and training for state officials and employees. Failed - Adjourned Link
Louisiana SCR 38 Creates a legislative task force to study sexual harassment issues regarding legislators, lobbyists, and other persons interacting with the legislature. Adopted Link
Louisiana JBE 14 Disbands the Task Force on Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Policy, as all required tasks have been completed. Link
Massachusetts HB 3983 Provides for a comprehensive review of all structures, policies, procedures and operations of the human resources function for the House, relates to ensuring a workplace free of sexual harassment and retaliation. Adopted Link
Massachusetts HB 4263 Submits a report and recommendations from the Counsel to the House of Representatives on the human resources function of the House of Representatives and the prevention of sexual harassment and retaliation. Failed - Adjourned Link
Massachusetts HB 4291 Relates to updating the structures, policies, procedures and operations of the human resources function for the House of Representatives, including those that relate to ensuring a workplace free of sexual harassment and retaliation. Failed - Adjourned Link
Massachusetts HB 4292 Relates to updating the structures, policies, procedures and operations of the human resources function for the House of Representatives, including those that relate to ensuring a workplace free of sexual harassment and retaliation. Adopted Link
Massachusetts HB 4296 (Order) Relates to authorizing the Counsel to the House of Representatives to contract with an outside third-party vendor to conduct a series of comprehensive surveys of appointed officers and employees of the House. Adopted Link
Massachusetts HB 4311 Relates to updating the structures, policies, procedures and operations of the human resources function for the House of Representatives, including those that relate to ensuring a workplace free of sexual harassment and retaliation. Adopted Link
Massachusetts HB 4343 (Order) Relates to the House Rules for the 190th General Court, governing the 2017-2018 Legislative Sessions, as amended and adopted by the House on February 2 of 2017 and March 15 of 2018. Adopted Link
Massachusetts SB 2262 Relates to establishing a Special Senate committee to review the sexual harassment policies and procedures of the Senate. Adopted Link
Massachusetts SB 2318 Promotes health, safety and well-being in the Legislature. Failed - Adjourned Link
Massachusetts SB 2510 Submits a report from the Senate Committee on Ethics concerning the conduct of Senator Stanley Rosenberg. Failed - Adjourned Link
Massachusetts SB 2526 Submits a report from the Special Senate Committee to Review Sexual Harassment Policies and Procedures. Failed - Adjourned Link
Maryland HB 1342 Relates to discrimination and harassment in State government, alters the training course that the State Ethics Commission is required to provide for regulated lobbyists and prospective regulated lobbyists, prohibits a certain State official from unlawfully harassing or discriminating against certain individuals. Enacted Link
Maryland HB 1423 Requires each State employee to complete a certain amount of sexual harassment prevention training at certain times, requires that the training include certain information, requires each unit to designate a representative to coordinate with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights to implement the training, authorizes a unit to incorporate the training into existing employment training. Enacted Link
Maryland SB 1138 Authorizes any entity to file with the State Ethics Commission a written complaint alleging that a regulated lobbyist has sexually harassed a member of the General Assembly or a certain employee, authorizes any entity to file with the State Ethics Commission a written complaint alleging that a member of the General Assembly has sexually harassed a regulated lobbyist, requires the Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics to refer certain complaints to an outside and independent investigator. Failed - Adjourned Link
Maine SB 695 Requires Legislators, legislative staff and lobbyists to attend and complete a course of in-person education and training regarding harassment, including sexual harassment, at the beginning of each regular session of the Legislature. It requires the Legislative Council to develop and implement the course. This bill is reported out by the Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government pursuant to Joint Order 2017, Senate Paper 685. The committee has not taken a position on the substance of the bill a Enacted Link
Michigan HB 5405 Prohibits use of public funds to settle sexual harassment claims of public officials. Failed - Adjourned Link
Minnesota HB 3030 Relates to the legislature, establishes an advisory task force on sexual harassment at the State Capitol, requires a report. Failed - Adjourned Link
Minnesota HB 3034 Relates to government accountability, provides for state and local government settlement accountability and transparency, requires reports. States that public funds cannot be used to pay for sexual harassment settlements. Also prohibits the legislature from using Non-Disclosure Agreements. Failed – Adjourned Link
Minnesota HB 3311 Relates to the legislature, establishes an advisory task force on sexual harassment at the State Capitol, requires a report. Failed - Adjourned Link
Minnesota SB 2491 Relates to government accountability, provides for state and local government settlement accountability and transparency, requires reports. Failed - Adjourned Link
Missouri HB 2471 Requires legislative lobbyists and legislative liaisons to complete sexual harassment training offered by the Missouri Ethics Commission. Failed - Adjourned Link
North Carolina HB 1044 Requires the General Assembly to develop and implement mandatory ethics training to prevent workplace harassment and other forms of discrimination in the workplace; adopts clear sanctions policies for workplace harassment and other forms of workplace discrimination at the General Assembly; creates and implements a complaint filing process that is confidential; appropriates funds. Failed - Adjourned Link
North Carolina SB 789 Requires the General Assembly to develop and implement mandatory ethics training to prevent workplace harassment and other forms of discrimination in the workplace; adopts clear sanctions policies for workplace harassment and other forms of workplace discrimination at the General Assembly; creates and implements a complaint filing process that is confidential; appropriates funds. Failed - Adjourned Link
New Jersey AB 1018 Makes certain access changes to open public records act, establishes State public finance website, creates program for development of local websites, makes appropriation. Failed Link
New Jersey AB 3312 Requires Legislature to adopt and distribute policy prohibiting sexual harassment, requires members, officers, and employees of Legislature to complete online training on policy once every two years. Pending Link
New Jersey AB 3608 Bars use of certain funds and nondisclosure agreements to settle sexual assault and harassment claims against certain State officers and employees, members of Legislature, and candidates. Pending Link
New Jersey SB 107 Makes certain access changes to the Open Public Records Act, establishes State public finance website and creates program for development of local websites, makes appropriation. Pending Link
New Jersey SB 1972 Requires Legislature to adopt and distribute policy prohibiting sexual harassment, requires members, officers, and employees of Legislature to complete online training on policy once every two years. Pending Link
New Jersey SB 2395 Bars use of certain funds and nondisclosure agreements to settle sexual assault and harassment claims against certain State officers and employees, members of Legislature, and candidates. Pending Link
New York AB 3315 Amends the Legislative Law, relates to an assembly standing committee on ethics and guidance. Failed - Adjourned Link
New York AB 8861 Requires the division of human rights to develop and implement a uniform sexual harassment policy for all state agencies, offices and departments, the executive department, and every member, officer or employee of the legislature, provides that such policy shall define the conduct which is prohibited, establish a process for the resolution of complaints of such conduct, and provide for appropriate training for all employees of state agencies. Failed - Adjourned Link
New York AB 9511 Amends various laws in relation to implementing the state budget, requires health insurance policies to include coverage of all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and products, as well as voluntary sterilization procedures, contraceptive education and counseling, and related follow up services, prohibits a health insurance policy from imposing any cost-sharing requirements or other restrictions or delays with respect to this coverage (Part A). Mentions Creating a Legislative Sexual Harassment Policy in Budget Failed - Adjourned Link
New York AB 9888 Requires state legislators who pay financial settlements in cases of certain sexual harassment claims using state or legislative funds to reimburse the state or legislature for the amount of the state or legislative funds awarded or paid to the victim. Failed Link
New York AB 10113 Establishes a joint commission on public transparency and sexual harassment to adopt, amend and rescind rules and regulations defining sexual harassment for state agencies, offices, and branches of government and develop recommendations for the uniform distribution of such definitions and policies, and to receive complaints and referrals alleging violations by certain state officials. Failed - Adjourned Link
New York AB 10464 Relates to the crime of official misconduct for sexual harassment for members of the state legislature, makes it a class A misdemeanor. Failed - Adjourned Link
New York AB 10466 Amends the Public Officers Law, prohibits officers or employees of a state agency, members of the legislature or legislative employees from committing acts of sexual harassment while serving in his or her official capacity. Failed - Adjourned Link
New York AB 10557 Relates to sexual harassment training and penalties for lobbyists. Failed - Adjourned Link
New York SB 6975 Amends the Public Officers Law, prohibits officers or employees of a state agency, members of the Legislature, or Legislative employees from committing acts of sexual harassment while serving in his or her official capacity. Failed - Adjourned Link
New York SB 7176 Relates to the crime of official misconduct for sexual harassment for members of the New York state legislature. Failed - Adjourned Link
New York SB 7196 Requires state Legislators, who pay financial settlements in cases of certain sexual harassment claims using state or legislative funds, to reimburse the state or Legislature for the amount of the state or legislative funds awarded or paid to the victim. Failed - Adjourned Link
New York SB 7241 Requires the division of human rights to develop and implement a uniform sexual harassment policy for all state agencies, offices and departments, the executive department, and every member, officer or employee of the legislature, provides that such policy shall define the conduct which is prohibited, establish a process for the resolution of complaints of such conduct. Failed - Adjourned Link
New York SB 7337 Establishes a joint commission on public transparency and sexual harassment to adopt, amend and rescind rules and regulations defining sexual harassment for state agencies, offices, and branches of government and develop recommendations for the uniform distribution of such definitions and policies, and to receive complaints and referrals alleging violations by certain state officials. Failed - Adjourned Link
New York SB 7511 Amends various laws in relation to implementing the state budget, requires health insurance policies to include coverage of all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and products, as well as voluntary sterilization procedures, contraceptive education and counseling, and related follow up services, prohibits a health insurance policy from imposing any cost-sharing requirements or other restrictions or delays with respect to this coverage (Part A). Mentions Creating a Legislative Sexual Harassment Policy in Budget Failed - Adjourned Link
New York SB 7848 Enacts comprehensive sexual harassment policies for New York state, relates to prevention of sexual harassment by state contractors (Part A), prohibits mandatory arbitration clauses based upon sexual harassment (Part B), relates to individual liability for sexual harassment (Part C), prohibits entering into confidential settlements (Part D), establishes a unit to receive and investigate sexual harassment claims (Part E), enacts uniform standards for sexual harassment policies for all branches of state. Failed - Adjourned Link
New York SB 8426 Amends the Legislative Law, establishes that no lobbyist shall commit an act of sexual harassment while engaging in lobbying or lobbying activities. Failed - Adjourned Link
New York SB 8755 Relates to policies regarding the prevention of sexual harassment in the legislature. Failed - Adjourned Link
Ohio SB 270 Requires that all legislative employers have a sexual harassment policy on file, creates the General Assembly Sexual Harassment Task Force, authorizes the Office of Legislative Inspector General to investigate sexual harassment claims within the General Assembly, exempts from Public Records Law the identity of a complainant and victim of a sexual harassment complaint, makes an appropriation. Failed - Adjourned Link
Oklahoma HB 3149 Relates to Oklahoma House of Representatives, establishes a sexual harassment prevention program, provides for codification, provides an effective date. Failed - Adjourned Link
Pennsylvania HB 1957 Provides for the requirement of sexual harassment training for members, officers, employees, interns and Fellows of the General Assembly, provides for a periodic survey. Failed - Adjourned Link
Pennsylvania HB 1965 Amends Title 46 Legislature of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, provides for professional conduct. Failed - Adjourned Link
Pennsylvania HR 612 Amends the Ethical Conduct Rules of the House of Representatives, provides for Committee on Ethics. Failed - Adjourned Link
Pennsylvania HR 684 Establishes the Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment. Failed - Adjourned Link
Pennsylvania HR 828 Establishes the Task Force on Harassment and Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace. Adopted Link
Pennsylvania HR 829 Directs the Joint State Government Commission to study the frequency of harassment and sexual misconduct in the workplace in State government, to conduct a Thorough and comprehensive analysis of the prevalence and results of harassment and sexual misconduct complaints, to compare the workplace policies on harassment and sexual misconduct throughout State government and to report to the General Assembly with it findings and recommendations. Adopted Link
Pennsylvania SB 1151 Amends statutes relating to public officers, relates to lobbying disclosure, provides for registration, prohibited activities, and penalties. Failed - Adjourned Link
Pennsylvania SR 327 Establishes the Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment. Failed - Adjourned Link
Rhode Island HB 7678 (Resolution)Would create an eleven (11) member special legislative commission whose purpose it would be to study unlawful sexual harassment in the workplace and who would report back to the House of Representatives no later than May 17, 2018 and whose life would expire on June 7, 2018. Adopted Link
Rhode Island HB 8206 (Resolution)Would extend the reporting date of the special legislative commission to study unlawful sexual harassment in the workplace from May 17, 2018, to May 29, 2018. Adopted Link
Tennessee HB 1918 Relates to general assembly, subjects all files concerning complaints initiated under either the former sexual harassment policy or the current workplace discrimination and harassment policy to public disclosure upon completion of proceedings, requires information concerning the identity of the complainant to be redacted prior to disclosure. Failed - Adjourned Link
Tennessee SB 1958 Relates to General Assembly, subjects all Files concerning complaints initiated under either the former sexual harassment policy or the current workplace discrimination and harassment policy to public disclosure upon completion of proceedings, requires information concerning the identity of the complainant to be redacted prior to disclosure. Failed - Adjourned Link
Virginia HB 371 Establishes the Sexual Harassment Training Act, requires every legislative branch employee to complete a sexual harassment training course every two calendar years, provides that the training shall be provided online, provides that the elected members of the House and Senate shall complete the training by each respective Clerk, requires the Clerks of the House and Senate to maintain records of completed training on sexual harassment. Enacted Link
Virginia HB 1053 Relates to policies against workplace harassment, relates to legislative branch, requires each legislative branch agency to adopt and implement the Commonwealth Workplace Harassment Policy (CWHP) established by the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM), provides that CWHP will apply to legislative branch employees. Failed Link
Virginia HB 1057 Relates to sexual harassment training, relates to legislative branch, requires General Assembly members, full time legislative staff of General Assembly members compensated with state appropriations, and full time employees of each legislative branch agency to complete sexual harassment training once every two calendar years through the Commonwealth of Virginia Learning Center administered by the Department of Human Resource Management. Failed Link
Virginia SB 796 Establishes the Sexual Harassment Training Act, requires every legislative branch employee to complete a sexual harassment training course every two calendar years, provides that the training shall be provided online, provides that the elected members of the House and Senate shall complete the training by each respective Clerk, requires the Clerks of the House and Senate to maintain records of completed training on sexual harassment. Enacted Link
Virginia SB 892 Relates to sexual harassment training, relates to legislative branch, requires General Assembly members, full-time legislative staff of General Assembly members compensated with state appropriations, and full-time employees of each legislative branch agency to complete sexual harassment training once every calendar year through the Commonwealth of Virginia Learning Center administered by the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM), concerns persons elected to the General Assembly. Failed Link
Vermont HB 707 Prohibits employment agreements from containing provisions that waive an employee's rights or remedies with respect to a claim of sexual harassment, requires agreements to settle a sexual harassment claim to state that the employee may report sexual harassment or cooperate with any investigation thereof, requires notification to the Attorney General of any settlements, authorizes workplace audits for compliance, provides protections to independent contractors. Enacted Link
Vermont HR 5 Relating to House Rules. Adopted Link
Washington HB 2759 Establishes the State Women's Commission, requires the Director of the Commission to monitor state legislation and advocate for legislation affecting women, work with state agencies to assess programs and policies that affect women, conduct an analysis of pay inequity based on gender among individuals employed in the Office of the Governor, coordinate with the minority commissions and human rights commissions, and work as a liaison to eliminate barriers to women's economic equity. Enacted Link
Washington HCR 4413 Creates the Unified Table on Sexual Harassment. Failed - Adjourned Link
Washington SB 6583 Establishes the state women's commission. Failed - Adjourned Link
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