PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania Senators Kim Ward (R-39), Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-28), Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), and Maria Collett (D-12) announced on Tuesday their intention to advance a bipartisan legislative package aimed at enhancing measures to address sexual harassment in the workplace.
In a co-sponsorship memo, Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward stated that as leaders, the standard for creating safe workplace environments must be set both in practice and law when dealing with instances of sexual harassment. She emphasized that while it may not be possible to eradicate every instance of sexual harassment, efforts can be made to ensure swift resolution and transparency in the disbursement of taxpayer funds.
The first bill, co-sponsored by Ward and Collett, mandates the use of third-party investigators for all sexual harassment claims submitted by an employee within state agencies and the General Assembly. Collett asserted that there can be no tolerance for sexual harassment in any workplace, emphasizing the need for clear paths to accountability and justice when misconduct occurs.
The second bill, sponsored by Phillips-Hill and Pennycuick, requires the public posting of monetary nondisclosure agreements resulting from sexual harassment or misconduct claims by an employee in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Phillips-Hill stressed the need to protect victims of sexual harassment and provide transparency when tax dollars are used in settlements.
If enacted, both laws would apply to all state government employees, encompassing all agencies, the Governor’s Office, the Office of the Attorney General, the Department of the Auditor General, the Treasury Department, the General Assembly, and the Judicial branch.
Pennycuick expressed her concern over the current lack of transparency when taxpayer dollars are used in settlements. She believes that by instituting these reforms, practices can be brought to an end, thus ushering in a new era of transparency and accountability, while ensuring the protection of victims.
The bills are expected to be sent to committee soon.
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