Legislation introduced in the state House and Senate to address sexual harassment and assault in the legislature is a step in the right direction for victims, according to Butler County's nonprofit victim's advocate organization.

The #MeToo Pennsylvania General Assembly Act, recently introduced as House Bill 1000 and Senate Bill 480, would ban nondisclosure agreements that mask the name of legislators who harass staff members, prohibit legislators from using tax dollars to pay secret settlement agreements, and provide counseling for victims.

“It certainly is a step in the right direction for those who have been victims of sexual harassment or sexual assault,” said Linda Strachan, executive director of Victim Outreach Intervention Center in Butler. “We certainly in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania want to keep our legislators and our state employees safe.”

The legislation was introduced Monday as the Republican and Democratic parties in the county were busy finding candidates to run in an upcoming special election to replace former state Rep. Brian Ellis. The longtime 11th District representative resigned last week, two months after the Dauphin County District Attorney's office opened a criminal investigation into an alleged sexual assault dating back to 2015. No charges have been filed to date.

“In the wake of what happened recently in our legislature, including close to home, it's imperative that people are safe and protected and they have the opportunity to get the services they need and those who report are believed,” Strachan said. “Certainly we want to support the legislation that provides protection,”

She said the legislation is intended to protect female and male legislative staff members and other employees of the legislature.

“They want to make sure people who are reporting a sex harassment are able to have counseling if they need it, that the person who has been accused be held accountable to the taxpayers of Pennsylvania and repay any settlement from taxpayers dollars, and they want to ban the use of nondisclosure agreements to make it public,” she said.

State Rep. Leanne Krueger, D-161st, who introduced the House bill, said addressing sexual assault and harassment in the Capitol is long overdue. She added that the legislation will protect members, staff and employees.

“The General Assembly has a duty to be a leader in the fight against sexual harassment and assault,” said Krueger. “It is past time for sexual harassment to be taken seriously in the Capitol and for reforms to create an environment where victims feel safe enough to come forward without fear of retribution.”

Sen. Katie Muth, D-44th, who introduced the companion bill, called Krueger's bill groundbreaking.

“As a survivor and supporter of those who have come forward through the #MeToo movement, I believe it is imperative that legislation be put into action to correct serious issues within the process of addressing harassment claims in the General Assembly,” Muth said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on implementing these reforms.”