Montana lawmakers approve new sexual harassment policy

HELENA — A panel of Montana lawmakers approved a revamped harassment and discrimination policy Thursday, moving the state closer to joining others that have changed their rules in response to the #MeToo movement and the growing number of sexual harassment claims against lawmakers across the nation.

The policy unanimously approved by the Legislative Council during its meeting in Lewistown lays out a detailed process on how to report, investigate and discipline legislators and staff accused of all forms of harassment, discrimination and retaliation.

It expands the current policy to include definitions and examples of sexual harassment, includes confidentiality and reporting provisions and triples the categories under which a person can make a harassment and discrimination claim, including gender identity, disabilities and others.

The Legislative Council made one important change before voting for the policy: It dropped a requirement that would have made harassment and discrimination prevention training mandatory for legislators. The new version makes training optional for lawmakers and mandatory for legislative staff.

Read more: https://billingsgazette.com/news/government-and-politics/montana-lawmakers-approve-new-sexual-harassment-policy/article_78ef5ae3-184b-5a6f-b968-eb0fcc0353f6.html