State lawmakers aim to change how sexual harassment claims handled at Capitol
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - Minnesota lawmakers are hoping to change the way sexual harassment claims are handled that the state Capitol.
State representatives John Lesch (D-St. Paul) and Marion O'Neill (R-Maple Lake) are announcing a new proposal to changing the rules in the House of Representatives following the recent allegations of sexual harassment at the Capitol. The new rules would include an expedited investigation process once complaints are brought forward, confidentiality protections for complainants and due process protections for all parties involved.
Under the proposal, any House member, member of the public, lobbyist or executive branch official can make a complaint regarding sexual harassment or discrimination.
"People are coming forward, saying 'No more, this has to stop,' and we are attempting to put forward a process by which it is safer for these folks to do so," O'Neil said. "This workplace has to be a safe place. That's our number one goal."
A complaint needs to be filed with both the House Majority Leader and Minority Leader. After they sign off on it, a copy must be delivered to any member named in the complaint, although the complainant's information would remain private.
The leaders must refer the complaint to the House Ethics Committee within seven days. The proposal also sets timelines, standards and outcomes for filing a complaint and the ensuing Ethics Committee process.
"What the consequences are can be anything from a private reprimand all the way up to the person being kicked out of the body," Lesch said. "We need to believe the women, but we also need to verify and make sure that the accusations are true."
The lawmakers plan to introduce the rules amendment during the next legislative session.
The proposed new rules comes just weeks after state Sen. Dan Schoen and state Rep Tony Cornish both resigned after being accused of sexual harassment.
Gov. Mark Dayton has called for special elections on Monday, Feb. 12 to replace both lawmakers. The goal is to get those two vacant seats filled before the legislature convenes on Feb. 20.