Louisiana lawmakers tracking new anti-sexual harassment law

By MELINDA DESLATTE, Associated Press

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana state agencies have updated sexual harassment policies to conform to a new law, and lawmakers say they intend to keep track of how the provisions are working.

The state's first government-wide policy against sexual harassment took effect this month. A legislative task force began work Tuesday to monitor compliance and find gaps in the provisions.

The law requires agencies to enact policies that include a process for handling complaints, a ban against retaliation when someone files a complaint and mandatory annual prevention training.

Norco Rep. Greg Miller, task force vice chairman, says lawmakers want to ensure people who interact with public officials that sexual misconduct allegations are taken seriously.

Louisiana has seen several high-profile sexual harassment claims recently. Tom Schedler resigned as secretary of state amid a harassment lawsuit.

Categories: AP News, State News