House Sexual Harassment Prevention Panel reelects Molly Burke, reviews jurisdiction, confidentiality and investigatory procedures

Representative Molly Burke was re-elected chair of the House Sexual Harassment Prevention Panel at an organizational meeting (date not specified). Panel members reviewed the panel’s procedures, the role of the legislative office of human resources and outstanding questions about which staff and officials the panel may investigate.

The panel’s reorganization began when a member moved to elect Molly Burke as chair; Burke accepted, saying, “I accept, and I really appreciate your support.”

Panel members focused on why their work matters: the panel receives and investigates complaints of alleged sexual harassment involving regulated individuals and also provides training and advice. Sophie (legislative counsel staff) reviewed the governing rules, saying, “This panel is established by house rule 90 c,” and pointed members to the panel’s procedural documents and the prevention policy that implement that rule.

Arlene Vanavan, director of the legislative office of human resources, described the HR office’s responsibilities and its recent growth: “the legislative office of human resources was established several years ago under statute, and I was brought in as the human resources…