The California Legislature passed two bills with the intention of aiding sexual harassment victims. If Governor Jerry Brown signs the new California sexual harassment bills, they will then become laws. The main point of both bills will be banning confidential agreements regarding harassment. There are 14 other states with similar bills pending in the legislature.
About Sexual Harassment
It is important that when unwelcome conduct crosses the line and becomes severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment to seek the advice from a qualified employment lawyer experienced in sexual harassment cases for advice and help. Men and women both are guilty of sexual harassment. A harasser can be anyone. He or she can be a supervisor, coworker or even a non-employee of the company. Anyone affected by offensive conduct could be eligible for a claim, even if he or she is not a direct victim of sexual harassment.
New California Sexual Harassment Bills
California Legislature awaits the signing of two bills, AB 3080 and SB 80. AB 3080 would ban confidential agreements regarding harassment and mandatory arbitration agreements in employment contracts. These agreements often prevent sexual harassment and assault victims from seeking justice.
SB 820 would prohibit nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) that prevent the “disclosure of factual information” in sexual harassment, assault and discrimination settlements. The bill would still allow settlement agreements in sexual misconduct cases and allow the victim’s name to remain private. However, the perpetrator cannot be concealed.
California senator and also an SB 820 sponsor, Senator Connie Leyva said that by banning secret settlements, California will eliminate one of the main tools that perpetrators use to silence victims.
“I am grateful that the Legislature passed SB 820. I am hopeful that Governor Brown will sign this legislation as it would be a truly historic win for victims that will no longer have to suffer at the hands of perpetrators that have hidden behind the curtain of secrecy created by these settlements.”
California’s pending legislation is part of a broader nationwide trend toward banning NDAs. Measures restricting NDAs have been introduced in at least 16 states. It has already become a law in Arizona, Maryland, New York, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington.
Free Legal Consultation
If you have experienced sexual harassment in any form in the workplace or at school, you should contact a qualified employment attorney as soon as possible. If the harassment has not stopped after making a formal complaint, consulting a complex litigation attorney is your best option. The Michael Brady Lynch Firm will be able to provide further guidance, help you file a claim, and help you build a case that will end the harassment. We have over 20 years of helping victims. Our consultations are free. Contact us today.