2025 -- H 6166
========
LC002649
========
S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025
____________
A N A C T
RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- CODE OF ETHICS
Introduced By: Representatives Tanzi, and Ajello
Date Introduced: April 02, 2025
Referred To: House State Government & Elections
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 36-14 of the General Laws entitled "Code of Ethics" is hereby 1
amended by adding thereto the following section: 2
36-14-22. Prohibiting sexual harassment. 3
(a) Sexual harassment is prohibited. For purposes of this section, "sexual harassment" 4
means any sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical 5
contact of a sexual nature, that a reasonable person would find inappropriate. 6
(b) This section applies to all of the following individuals, while they are actively engaged 7
in activities that involve legislative business: 8
(1) Senators and representatives; 9
(2) Regular, full-time, part-time, temporary or contractual employees of the general 10
assembly; 11
(3) Volunteers, interns, and pages; and 12
(4) Lobbyists. 13
(c) Complaints under this section, shall be made to the Rhode Island ethics commission 14
established pursuant to the provisions of § 36-14-8, and will be investigated, in accordance with 15
the provisions of § 36-14-12. To the extent practicable, the investigation shall respect the privacy 16
of all individuals involved. 17
(d) If the investigation supports a finding of a violation of the provisions of this section, 18
the ethics commission shall order prompt and effective remedial action including, but not limited 19
LC002649 - Page 2 of 3
to, a warning, reprimand, withholding of a promotion or pay increase, reassignment, temporary 1
suspension without pay, termination or other appropriate punishment the commission deems 2
appropriate. 3
(e) Each individual covered by this section shall complete an annual education and training 4
program on sexual harassment, consistent with the aims and purposes of this section. Program 5
completion records shall be maintained by the Rhode Island ethics commission and be made 6
available to the public. Failure to comply, shall result in disciplinary action including, but not 7
limited to, any penalty available under subsection (d) of this section. 8
(f) On or before December 1, 2026, the Rhode Island ethics commission shall issue rules 9
effectuating this section. 10
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. 11
========
LC002649
========
LC002649 - Page 3 of 3
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- CODE OF ETHICS
***
This act would create a new law to address the issue of "sexual harassment" involving those 1
individuals that are actively involved in legislative business. 2
This act would take effect upon passage. 3
========
LC002649
========