Lawmakers are looking to tackle the issue of sexual misconduct and harassment at the workplace in Pennsylvania.
Last week, democrats announced a package of bills to go after the problem, while the republican party released their version today.
“Sexual and workplace related harassment are serious issues that must be given prompt and direct attention,” said Representative Donna Oberlander
The proposals include creating a task force to investigate current laws and procedures surrounding sexual harassment and misconduct in the workplace. Representative Sheryl Delozier said the task force would be modeled after the child protection task force, established in 2011.
“That was very successful, and enacted 12 pieces of legislation to protect our children,” stated Delozier.
The proposals also include having the “joint state government commission” review anti-harassment and discrimination laws affecting state employees.
The announcement comes weeks after house republicans called on one of their own, Representative Nick Miccarelli, to resign after abuse allegations. House majority leader, Dave Reed, said a lot of discretion in that case fell on political leaders, and the process does need to be looked at.
“I think safeguards in place to ensure there is a check and balance on those individuals is central to ensure such a scenario is handled properly in the future as well,” he added.
The house Labor & Industry Committee will hold a hearing on this issue in two weeks.