BILL NUMBER: S2034

SPONSOR: BIAGGI
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to mandating bystander
intervention training for sexual harassment prevention for all state
employees

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To prevent sexual harassment in the workplace by requiring state employ-
ees to complete bystander intervention training.

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1 adds a new subdivision, 17, to section 295 of the executive
law to mandate that all state employees annually attend a bystander
intervention training program. Section 2 provides the effective date.

 
              

JUSTIFICATION:

It is critical that our state implements effective prevention strategies
to address the pervasive problem of sexual harassment.  Violence and
harassment in the workplace can have detrimental effects on both targets
and their coworkers, leading to higher rates of turnover and absentee-
ism. Providing comprehensive education and training is an important step
to combat harassment and build a safe and respectful workplace culture.
Bystander intervention is an effective approach to sexual violence
prevention that goes beyond the traditional roles of victim and harasser
to empower all workers and make eliminating harassment a collective
responsibility. Bystander intervention training has been successfully
implemented in military and college settings and the EEOC recommends
employers incorporate this technique as part of holistic policies on
sexual harassment.  This proactive measure will help state employees
develop the skills to intervene when harassment and discrimination
occurs and foster more equitable and supportive working environments
throughout the state.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

None.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
The ninetieth day after it shall have become law.