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 / Modified feb 15, 2018 5 p.m.

Bill Would Prevent Lawmakers From Keeping Harassment Settlements Quiet

The Arizona House is changing the rules for how public officials settle sexual harassment claims.
by Christopher Conover

AZ State Capitol bldg HERO The Arizona State Capitol building.
Wars / CC 3.0

A bill passed by the Arizona House of Representatives would make it against the law for a public official who uses public dollars to settle a sexual harassment claim to require a nondisclosure agreement.

House Bill 2020, which passed unanimously on Thursday, was called a "giant step forward."

"Arizona is leading in terms of holding elected or public officials accountable by not allowing them to hide behind confidentiality agreements," said bill sponsor Rep. Maria Syms, R-Paradise Valley.

Syms said the proposal is about accountability.

"If public tax dollars are used to settle a sexual harassment or sexual misconduct case then we need transparency," she explained.

HB 2020 also waives the non-disclosure agreements when it comes to law enforcement investigations or court testimony.

The bill still needs approval from the Senate and Gov. Doug Ducey.

MORE: Arizona, Legislature, News
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