The bill amends Chapter 36-14 of the General Laws by adding a new section titled "Prohibiting sexual harassment." This section defines sexual harassment as any sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical contact of a sexual nature that a reasonable person would find inappropriate. It applies to individuals actively engaged in legislative business, including senators, representatives, regular full-time, part-time, temporary or contractual employees of the general assembly, volunteers, interns, pages, and lobbyists.

The bill establishes a process for handling complaints of sexual harassment, which must be made to the Rhode Island ethics commission for investigation. The investigation will respect the privacy of all individuals involved, and if a violation is found, the ethics commission is authorized to order prompt and effective remedial action, which may include warnings, reprimands, withholding of promotions or pay increases, reassignments, temporary suspensions without pay, terminations, or other appropriate punishments.

Additionally, each individual covered by this section is required to complete an annual education and training program on sexual harassment, with completion records maintained by the Rhode Island ethics commission and made available to the public. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in disciplinary action, including penalties as outlined in the remedial actions. The Rhode Island ethics commission is also tasked with issuing rules to effectuate this section by December 1, 2026. The act will take effect upon passage.