HB 5481

Abstract

Amends the General Assembly Operations Act. Provides that the Senate Operations Commission and the Speaker of the House shall each employ a full-time licensed clinical therapist who specializes in providing mental health support for victims of sexual harassment and abuse. Provides that the licensed clinical therapist shall provide mental health services to the employees of the House of Representatives and the Senate, including employees at district offices. Provides that any meeting between an employee of the General Assembly and a licensed clinical therapist shall be confidential, and the licensed clinical therapist shall not be required to file a report with the Legislative Inspector General concerning the mental health services provided. Provides that all sexual harassment or assault claims made by staff to the Legislative Inspector General shall be referred to the licensed clinical therapist. Provides that the licensed clinical therapist shall ensure that any victim specifically referenced in a sexual harassment or assault claim receives adequate mental health support as the claim is being processed.