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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2023
12/15/2023, 3:57 PM
Summary of Bill HR 2990
The key provisions of the bill include the establishment of a comprehensive sexual harassment and assault prevention program within NOAA. This program will include training for all employees on how to recognize and report instances of sexual harassment and assault, as well as procedures for investigating and addressing complaints.
Additionally, the bill requires NOAA to conduct regular surveys to assess the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault within the agency, and to report the results to Congress. This data will help to inform future prevention efforts and ensure accountability within NOAA. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to protect whistleblowers who report instances of sexual harassment and assault within NOAA. Employees who come forward with complaints will be protected from retaliation and discrimination. Overall, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2023 seeks to create a culture of respect and accountability within NOAA, and to ensure that all employees are able to work in a safe and supportive environment.
Congressional Summary of HR 2990
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2023
This bill addresses sexual harassment and sexual assault involving personnel of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The bill specifies that NOAA's sexual harassment prevention and response policy applies to personnel such as observers, at-sea monitors, and voting members and staff of regional fishery management councils.
The bill removes the requirement that certain acts, such as assault, intimidation, and sexual harassment of an observer or a data collector, be forcible in nature to be unlawful.
The bill also requires NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations to establish a policy for reporting to the Coast Guard the names of NOAA personnel who are the subject of certain claims. Specifically, such reports must identify employees or contractors who are the subject of a claim of an act or offense detrimental to good discipline and safety at sea (e.g., a claim of sexual assault substantiated by an investigation) or any other substantiated claim of an act or offense for which suspension or revocation of a credential is either mandatory or sought pursuant to certain Coast Guard regulations.
Additionally, the bill directs NOAA to develop a restricted reporting system that allows employees and other personnel to confidentially report sexual harassment or assault and receive services without triggering an investigation.
Finally, the bill also expands reporting requirements on sexual harassment, sexual assault, and equal employment.
