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Legislature Passes Discrimination, Harassment Policy

Legislative Council began working on the new policy in late 2017 with the advent of the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and misconduct

By Justin Franz

HELENA — The Montana Legislature has passed a policy to report and investigate harassment, discrimination and retaliation involving lawmakers and legislative employees.

A conference committee’s agreement that the policy would not apply to lobbyists, media or members of the public passed the House 59-38 and the Senate 30-20 on Thursday. The policy takes effect immediately.

It allows for confidential reporting and investigation of claims and sets penalties for violators.

The Legislative Council began working on the new policy in late 2017 with the advent of the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and misconduct.

The Legislative Services Division has said a formal harassment complaint was made to its legal office after efforts to update the policy began. Officials have not released any details of the complaint.