Texas House Beefs Up Probes of Sexual Harassment Complaints Against Members, Employees

AUSTIN -- The House on Wednesday strengthened its procedures on sexual harassment and gave a panel already armed with sweeping investigative powers the job of ensuring that the chamber offers "a safe and professional environment."By votes of 142-0, members approved House rules and housekeeping measures for this year's session that are "moving this body forward on sexual harassment policy," said Speaker Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton.Bonnen acknowledged that his predecessor, former GOP Speaker Joe Straus of San Antonio, launched the effort last year by naming a 10-member working group of House members after news reports about how lewd comments and unwelcome groping were a longstanding problem around the Legislature.  Continue reading...