Lawmakers debate reducing frequency of harassment‑prevention training for elected officials
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Summary
Representative Cruz proposed HB65 to require harassment‑prevention training once per election cycle rather than annually; committee members split over effectiveness and legal protection, and a survivor‑advocate testified it would send the wrong message; the bill was held for further work.
Representative Cruz presented House Bill 65 to the House Governmental Affairs Committee, proposing that mandatory harassment‑prevention training for elected officials occur once per election cycle rather than annually. The author framed the change as a time and cost savings and asked whether annual repetition produces measurable benefit.
Members pressed competing points. Representative Boyd and others argued more frequent training protects potential victims and keeps pace with changes in workplace behavior, technology and AI; Representative Cruz and supporters questioned whether annual repetition produces additional benefit beyond reminder effects. Representative Lyons and others noted some training content and statutory requirements are updated regularly.
Morgan Lamondre, director of the trauma awareness and response group STAR, testified in opposition. Citing the Louisiana Violence Experiences Survey by the Newcomb Institute (2023 and 2025), Lamondre said harassment declined in the state and warned that reducing training for elected officials "sends a wrong message" to survivors. "If anything, the training for public officials should be more than what the other employees have to take because they are held to a higher standard," Lamondre said.
After extended debate and offer of possible amendments, the committee did not adopt a motion to report HB65; the chair said the bill would be held so sponsors can consult with members and potentially revise language.
