Workplace harassment policy could affect school boards

As session kicks off, wide-reaching discussions surrounding workplace harassment legislation and the Capitol culture make it clear that workplace harassment will be a theme of this year’s legislative session.

Last week, the Senate Workforce Committee introduced Legislative Concept 1170 on Tuesday, and Senate Bill 479 was heard by the committee Thursday.

LC 1170, otherwise known as the Workplace Protection Act, would increase harassment prevention measures. This is clearly the beginning of a conversation that will be ongoing over the coming weeks. Ensuring that the legislation most importantly protects victims but avoids unintended consequences will be crucial as the Legislature considers the details.

SB 479 is complementary to LC 1170, but rather than focusing on the private sector, it requires public employers to have a policy addressing harassment that includes language on volunteers, interns and elected officials. Public testimony used school board members as an example of unpaid elected officials who would be impacted by the policies.

- OSBA