Compare Bills

Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-03-25

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill creates a new workplace safety system for the North Carolina General Assembly that includes mandatory annual harassment prevention training, a confidential reporting and investigation process for sexual harassment and improper workplace behavior, clear disciplinary sanctions, and an appeals process. The bill appropriates $250,000 to implement these policies and requires the Legislative Services Commission and Legislative Ethics Committee to adopt the policies by December 31, 2025.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill addresses a critical gap in protecting legislators, staff, and other workers in the General Assembly from sexual harassment and misconduct.
• •By establishing a confidential process with an independent third party investigator, confidentiality protections, and anti-retaliation measures, the bill encourages victims to report incidents knowing they will be handled fairly and their identity protected.
• •Supporters believe mandatory training and clear sanctions create accountability and help prevent harmful behavior before it escalates.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may express concerns about whether confidentiality provisions could adequately protect accused individuals' reputations during investigations, or whether the confidentiality requirements might limit transparency and public accountability for elected officials.
• •Some may question whether $250,000 in funding is sufficient for the independent contractor services and training infrastructure, or whether the appeal process to the Presiding Officer provides adequate oversight given that official also oversees initial resolution decisions.