2/6/2018

ETHICS/HOUSE OF REPS/LEGAL: “The House of Representatives voted Tuesday [2-6-18] to overhaul its policies on sexual harassment, banning lawmakers from using taxpayer funds to pay for settlements and mandating public reporting of cases.
The measures, which passed unanimously, would mark a major shift in how sexual-harassment claims are handled in the Capitol. The legislation, which lawmakers say was written with input from victims of sexual harassment, grants subpoena power to the office investigating allegations and requires it to release a biannual report listing each award or settlement paid during the previous year, including the amount of the settlement and the member office involved. Cases would be referred to the House Ethics Committee upon conclusion of an investigation.
The bill also bars members from having sexual relationships with their employees.
Under the previous law, no settlement amounts or names were disclosed from this office. People who accuse members or staff of sexual harassment have had to sign nondisclosure agreements and undergo counseling.
The new policies also create an Office of Employee Advocacy for victims.”

-Natalie Andrews, “House Passes Sexual-Harassment Revamp,” The Wall Street Journal online, Feb. 6, 2018 03:40pm