H.R. 9198: National Commission to Combat Workplace Sexual Harassment Act

This bill establishes a new entity called the National Commission to Combat Workplace Sexual Harassment, aiming to investigate and address issues related to sexual harassment in workplaces across the United States.

Establishment of the Commission

The bill creates a commission composed of 11 members, with a requirement that at least 6 of them be women. The members will be appointed by various political leaders, including:

• Two members by the majority leader of the Senate
• Two members by the minority leader of the Senate
• Two members by the Speaker of the House of Representatives
• Two members by the minority leader of the House of Representatives
• Three members appointed by the President

Duties of the Commission

The Commission has several responsibilities, including:

• Conducting a comprehensive investigation into workplace sexual harassment, drawing upon testimony from workers, employers, industry experts, and public advocates.
• Summarizing findings on the prevalence of sexual harassment and the experiences of those affected, including accounts of retaliation for reporting such incidents.
• Assessing the causes and effects of workplace sexual harassment and the impact of personal characteristics and employment circumstances on vulnerability to harassment.
• Evaluating the role of modern communication methods, such as social media, in contributing to workplace sexual harassment.
• Reviewing existing laws and regulations related to sexual harassment and their effectiveness.

The Commission is required to submit a report with their findings and recommendations to the President and Congress within 18 months of its establishment.

Meetings and Operations

The Commission is authorized to hold meetings and hearings to fulfill its duties, and it can gather necessary information from various government departments. They will also have access to office space and may contract external agencies or experts as needed.

Membership Requirements and Procedures

Members of the Commission must have knowledge related to sexual harassment, and they will serve for the duration of the Commission's existence. The Commission will elect a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson during its initial meeting, which must occur within 60 days of the bill's enactment. The Commission must also maintain a quorum for meetings.

Staffing and Resources

The Commission will have a Director appointed by the members, who can also hire additional staff. The bill allows for volunteer services and details of government employees to assist the Commission in its work.

Termination of the Commission

The Commission will terminate 60 days after it submits its final report to Congress.

Relevant Companies

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