Bill would create office to investigate sexual harassment claims in General Assembly

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A top Democrat in the state House of Representatives has written legislation that would create an “Equal Opportunity Employment Officer” in state government with the power to investigate claims of sexual harassment within the General Assembly.

Rep. Christopher Blazejewski, the deputy majority whip in House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello’s leadership team, plans to pre-file a bill creating the office and a special committee on professional conduct with “broad investigatory and disciplinary powers,” he said in a news release.

“It is critical that the General Assembly reform its policies and procedures relating to sexual harassment, discriminatory harassment, and related retaliation,” Blazejewski, a Providence Democrat, said. “The legislature must ensure that all people appearing in its chambers and before its committees – members, staff, and the public – are protected from harassment and have a safe, respectful space to engage in the political process and advocate for their legislation.”

The new Equal Opportunity Employment Officer would be appointed by the Assembly’s Joint Committee on Legislative Services, which the House speaker controls.

Read more: http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20181112/bill-would-create-office-to-investigate-sexual-harassment-claims-in-general-assembly