HB0905 Summary

• Creates the Private Sector Workplace Anti-Harassment Task Force to develop model policies and best practices for preventing sexual harassment in workplaces, with focus on vulnerable and underserved workers including those in minimum-wage, tipped, service industry, and traditionally male-dominated fields.

• Task Force membership includes 16 members: the Department of Human Rights chief legal counsel, 8 state legislators (4 representatives and 4 senators from majority and minority parties), and representatives from business groups, labor unions, advocacy organizations for sexual harassment survivors, LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and minority workers.

• Task Force shall develop model policies addressing internal anonymous reporting channels, retaliation protections, human resources accountability, workplace mentoring, employee surveys, new hire orientation, and executive performance evaluations related to inclusive workplace culture.

• Model policies and best practices must be finalized by March 1, 2020, and posted on the Department of Human Rights website within 30 days; the Department shall provide administrative support to the Task Force.

• Act is repealed on March 1, 2021, and takes effect immediately upon becoming law.