Legislative ethics: harassment: education: lobbying.
The law is poised to influence how legislative ethics are taught, particularly in relation to lobbyists and their interactions with legislators. By including harassment policies in the orientation, it signals a commitment to foster a safer lobbying environment and to hold members accountable for harassment-related issues. This change aims to facilitate a cultural shift within the legislature that emphasizes ethics and respect, potentially leading to greater awareness and understanding of harassment issues among legislators and lobbyists alike.
Assembly Bill 2055, introduced by Assemblymember Levine, seeks to amend Section 8956 of the Government Code, enhancing legislative ethics training. This bill mandates the legislative ethics committees to incorporate information regarding each house's policies against harassment, particularly sexual harassment, into the orientation courses for lobbying activities. Currently, such courses focus on ethical conduct and the legal frameworks surrounding lobbying, but AB2055 aims to broaden the curriculum significantly.
The sentiment around AB2055 appears largely supportive, with members recognizing the importance of addressing harassment in the context of lobbying. The bill did not encounter significant opposition during its passage, suggesting a consensus on the necessity of refining the orientation courses to include this critical content. However, the implementation and effectiveness of these educational initiatives may be monitored closely, as actual changes in behavior will dictate the bill's ultimate success.
While the bill has generally been welcomed, some concerns may arise regarding the execution of the new requirements. Questions about the adequacy of the proposed courses and the impact of lobbyists' fees for attending may surface. Additionally, the legislature will need to ensure that all members, including designated employees, comply with the new training requirements, as the effectiveness of this bill hinges on engagement and participation.