Legislative Leaders Approve Framework For Sexual Harassment Policy

Legislative leaders Tuesday recommended what they call a “framework” of a new sexual harassment policy for the General Assembly. 

It's the work product of four women legislators, mandated by a bill last session.

The framework crafted by the four lawmakers says the Ethics Committees of both chambers will investigate sexual harassment claims made against lawmakers. It also protects those who report harassment from retaliation.

Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), one of the four who helped created it, says there’s more work to be done.

“We, I think, did the best that we could do with the information that we had," Pryor says. "But I also recognize that other individuals certainly have ideas that can make any policy better.”

The House and Senate Ethics Committees will now work on the policies. Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon (D-Munster) says she’s looking for more details.

“Specific investigative procedures fleshed out by the Ethics Committee," Reardon says. "Actual consequences for bad behavior.”

The full chambers must approve the policies in January.