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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | November 14, 2023 04:37 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Charity Grimm Krupa |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Proposed Legislation related to repayment of settlements by perpetrators of sexual harassment and assault Revised Former HB 975 (2019) |
News of another secretive settlement paid by taxpayers, resolving another allegation of sexual harassment by a state official recently made headlines. This is yet another example wherein taxpayers are ultimately held financially responsible for the unlawful actions of an individual who has committed sexual harassment while entrusted to a position of responsibility as a public employee or public official. While some of these settlements make headlines, employees at all levels of Pennsylvania’s government have been victims of sexual harassment by those in positions of authority. It is estimated that one in three women will suffer sexual harassment during their career and government employees are certainly not immune from this fact. As public servants and elected officials we must strive to do better and set an example. Settlements and judgments which are the result of unlawful actions such as sexual harassment and sexual assault occur at all levels of government in the commonwealth and those who are responsible for these costs often do not have to bear that financial burden. Instead, these costs are incurred by the taxpayers. I am proposing legislation which reflects a commitment to accountability and transparency. The goal of this bill is to send a clear message to all public servants, that sexual harassment will not be tolerated and those responsible will be required to take personal responsibility for the financial consequences of their actions. This legislation sets forth a clear and detailed framework allowing the Commonwealth to seek reimbursement and accountability from those individuals whose improper and unlawful action result in settlements or judgments paid by the Commonwealth. Under current policy, each investigation of sexual harassment should be investigated as to whether the allegations have merits, and the findings of facts recorded. My bill will demand that those findings of facts be evaluated as to the liability of the accused and that those responsible be held financially accountable. It will encourage responsible behavior among public employees and public officials. The bill will establish transparent reporting mechanisms to ensure that the public is informed about instances in which public officials have or should be required to reimburse settlement funds. It will set forth a complete framework which requires the Attorney General or Independent Investigative Counsel to decide whether and how they should pursue reimbursement of these settlement and judgment funds against those who are responsible. The proposed bill aligns with our shared commitments to promoting proper conduct among those tasked with public trust and safeguard the interest of the citizens of the commonwealth. Former HB975 Cosponsors: OBERLANDER, TOEPEL, LEWIS, KEEFER, MILLARD, SCHLOSSBERG, QUINN, JAMES, DIAMOND, BERNSTINE, SAYLOR, ZIMMERMAN, MACKENZIE, OTTEN, ISAACSON, BENNINGHOFF, MARSHALL, MASSER, WEBSTER AND GILLEN |
Introduced as HB1948