Bill > H6166

This bill creates a new section in the Rhode Island Code of Ethics to comprehensively address sexual harassment within the legislative environment. The bill defines sexual harassment as any sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, nonverbal, or physical contact of a sexual nature that a reasonable person would find inappropriate. It applies to a broad range of individuals involved in legislative business, including senators, representatives, legislative employees (full-time, part-time, temporary, or contractual), volunteers, interns, pages, and lobbyists. The Rhode Island Ethics Commission will be responsible for investigating complaints, with an emphasis on maintaining privacy. If a violation is found, the commission can impose various disciplinary actions such as warnings, reprimands, pay withholdings, reassignments, suspensions, or terminations. Additionally, the bill mandates that all covered individuals complete an annual sexual harassment education and training program, with program completion records to be publicly available. Failure to complete the training can result in disciplinary action. The Ethics Commission is required to issue implementing rules by December 1, 2026, and the act will take effect immediately upon passage.

Government Affairs

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