| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee | |
SSB 5118
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Developing sexual harassment policies, procedures, and mandatory training for all state employees.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Brandland, Keiser, Murray, Prentice, McAuliffe, Marr and Shin).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/23/07
Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).
Background:
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964 and RCW 49.60, Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD).
In 1989, then Governor Gardner issued Executive Order 89-01, which stated that it is the public
policy of the state to provide and maintain a working environment free from sexual harassment
for its employees and all citizens participating in state programs. The Executive Order requires
all state agencies to develop and disseminate a policy on sexual harassment, to conduct training
and education for all employees, and to respond promptly and effectively to sexual harassment
concerns.
The Executive Order also requires the Department of Personnel to incorporate into its
Affirmative Action Program Guidelines criteria addressing compliance with this Executive
Order.
Summary of Bill:
The existing Executive Order 89-01 on Sexual Harassment for state agencies is codified. The
Department of Personnel is required to develop rules establishing guidelines on policies,
procedures, reporting, and mandatory training for all state agencies to comply with this act. The
cost of the mandatory training is to be covered by the state agencies within the existing resources.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.