A bill meant to give victims of workplace harassment more rights is on its way to Oregon Governor Kate Brown. The Oregon House voted unanimously on Thursday to approve the measure, which earlier passed the Senate.
If Senate Bill 726 is signed into law, it would do several things. It would extend the statute of limitations for victims to file a civil suit from one year to five years. It would require the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries to develop a model policy for employers to use when dealing with workplace sexual harassment. And it would prohibit businesses from requiring employees to sign nondisclosure agreements as a way to sweep harassment under the rug.
House Democratic leader, Rep. Jennifer Williamson, D-Portland, called the bill a great step forward. “I believe this policy will improve the lives of working people across the state, especially women and women of color,” she said.
The bill comes less than three months after legislative leaders agreed to a one-point-three million dollar settlement with victims of sexual harassment at the state capitol.
