Senate Passes Proposal for Independent Human Resources Position to Handle Sexual Harassment Complain

CONCORD—Today, the New Hampshire Senate unanimously adopted SB 235, which would establish an independent human resources professional to investigate sexual harassment complaints made against legislators.

“If we are going to be serious about appropriately handling claims of sexual harassment, an impartial and independent professional must be responsible for conducting the investigations. This position would give the public and our employees the confidence in the system they need to come forward without fear of retribution. It’s beyond time to take sexual harassment in the State House seriously and I’m grateful to my Senate colleagues for unanimously supporting this common-sense measure,” said Senate President Donna Soucy (D-Manchester), a co-sponsor of SB 235.

Amanda Grady Sexton, Director of Public Affairs for the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, added: “We know that sexual harassment takes place everywhere and the State House is no exception. Today’s vote is a strong signal that the Senate acknowledges the inherent power dynamic in play and takes seriously its responsibility to foster a safe and healthy work environment for their employees and the public. We are grateful for the leadership of Senators Soucy, Feltes, and Hennessey for bringing this initiative forward.”