CA SB224

Expands sexual harassment liability under Civil Code Section 51.9 to include defendants who hold themselves out as able to help plaintiffs establish business, service, or professional relationships with them or third parties.

Removes the requirement that plaintiffs prove an inability to easily terminate the relationship in sexual harassment cases.

Adds investors, elected officials, lobbyists, directors, and producers to the list of persons who may be held liable for sexual harassment.

Makes the Department of Fair Employment and Housing responsible for receiving, investigating, conciliating, mediating, and prosecuting complaints alleging violations of Section 51.9 (sexual harassment) and related civil rights provisions.

Designates denial of rights related to sexual harassment as an unlawful practice under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act.