Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the Assembly will convene a new workgroup to address sexual harassment. The members of the workgroup will examine various sexual harassment issues and policy responses during the 2018 legislative session.

"Sexual harassment must be confronted head-on," said Speaker Heastie. "I look forward to the recommendations of this workgroup so that we can develop a statewide legislative solution to this very serious problem."

The workgroup will include Assemblymembers:

• Helene Weinstein
• Jeffrey Dinowitz
• Michele Titus
• Aileen Gunther
• Crystal Peoples-Stokes
• Charles Lavine
• Matthew Titone
• Kenneth Zebrowski
• Addie Jenne
• Aravella Simotas
• Nily Rozic
• Victor Pichardo
• Pamela Hunter
• Carmen De La Rosa
• Monica Wallace

In 2013, the Assembly undertook an extensive review of its anti-harassment policies and crafted a comprehensive procedure to handle and investigate complaints. Developed after consulting with nationally recognized experts, the Assembly's Policy Prohibiting Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation has been widely recognized for its thoughtful approach, and could serve as a template for future legislation.

Under the policy, the Assembly Committee on Ethics and Guidance is authorized to receive, investigate, hear, make findings and recommend disciplinary action against members on complaints alleging a violation of the policy. Additionally, those in supervisory positions, including legislators, are mandatory reporters required to report harassment allegations to the Committee or outside counsel.