California Assembly Bill AB2959

California 2017-2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/18

Caption

Legislature: independent ombudsperson: sexual harassment.

Impact

The bill's establishment of an independent ombudsperson is expected to enhance accountability within the Legislature by facilitating a clearer process for investigating claims of sexual harassment. By making it easier for legislative staff and lobbyists to report such misconduct without the fear of retribution, the bill aims to foster a safer working environment for those within the legislative sphere. The ombudsperson's oversight would ensure that findings from investigations remain transparent, addressing public concerns about how harassment issues are currently handled within state government.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 2959 seeks to establish an independent ombudsperson within the jurisdiction of the California State Auditor to handle allegations of sexual harassment against Members of the Legislature and legislative staff. This initiative arises from existing frameworks that currently exclude the Legislature from the purview of the California Whistleblower Protection Act, which protects government employees from retaliation when reporting improper governmental activity. The proposed ombudsperson aims to bridge this gap by providing a secure channel for complaints and ensuring confidentiality for victims and witnesses involved in such matters.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding AB 2959 include concerns regarding the effectiveness and authority of the proposed ombudsperson. Some legislators argue that this additional layer of oversight may complicate existing processes or create jurisdictional confusion. There are worries about how the ombudsperson's findings might influence legislative operations and whether the framework adequately protects the rights of both complainants and the accused. These discussions reflect a broader debate about accountability and the integrity of legislative processes, emphasizing the importance of finding a balance between transparency and due process.