HB 1233 Summary

• Creates Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Misconduct to convene by July 2018 and every 4 years thereafter, composed of representatives from legislative and executive branches, local governments, and professional organizations, with duties to examine reporting methods, confidentiality procedures, victim support, offender accountability, and best practices.

• Creates section 112.3126 prohibiting public officers, qualified candidates, agency employees, and lobbyists from sexually harassing any person, defining sexual harassment to include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or conduct creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

• Establishes penalties for violations including for lobbyists: public censure, civil penalties up to $10,000, and prohibition from lobbying for a specified period; maintains existing penalties for public officers, employees, and candidates.

• Makes personal identifying information of alleged victims of sexual harassment complaints confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements under section 119.071(2)(n).

• Takes effect upon becoming law.