CA SB493

Requires postsecondary institutions receiving state financial assistance to comply with sexual harassment prevention and response requirements by January 1, 2022, including disseminating nondiscrimination notices and designating a Title IX coordinator.

Mandates institutions adopt and publish grievance procedures for sexual harassment complaints that provide prompt and equitable resolution, including trauma-informed investigations, protections against repetitive or harassing questions, and written notice of outcomes to parties.

Requires institutions to publish contact information for the Title IX coordinator and other officials with authority to investigate complaints or impose sanctions, and to provide training to employees engaged in grievance procedures on trauma-informed practices and implicit bias.

Establishes that institutions must notify employees of reporting obligations, provide annual training on sexual harassment identification to all staff, and ensure residential life staff receive trauma-informed training on handling reports of sexual harassment or violence.

Defines "sexual harassment" to include sexual violence, sexual battery, and sexual exploitation; allows civil action enforcement and provides that reimbursement for state-mandated costs shall follow statutory procedures.