HOUSE BILL REPORT
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.
As Reported by House Committee On:
State Government & Tribal Affairs
Title: An act relating to developing sexual harassment policies, procedures, and mandatory training for all state employees.
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 History:
State Government & Tribal Affairs: 3/23/07, 3/30/07 [DP].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Green, McDermott, Miloscia and Ormsby.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Assistant Ranking Minority Member and Kretz.
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 existing
resources.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) It is very important and essential to codify this policy. The potential cost is
great, and there has already been a cost to taxpayers due to lawsuits and settlements on sexual
harassment cases. Workers and state employees should be free from harassment and
intimidation and should be free from concerns of being fired for bringing forth a complaint.
The weight of the law will add strength to the policy.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Kohl-Welles, prime sponsor.