The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Kathi-Anne Reinstein

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
                Court assembled:

                The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the passage of the accompanying bill:

An Act to develop an office to prevent sexual harassment.

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PETITION OF:

[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE HOUSE, NO. 3719 OF 2007-2008.]

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the Year Two Thousand and Nine

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An Act to develop an office to prevent sexual harassment.

                Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

            Chapter seven of the Mass. General Laws is hereby amended by adding, at the end of section 4M, the following paragraph:—

There shall be established, within the department of veterans’ services, an Office of Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Members and Former Members of the Armed Forces, whose mission is to evaluate conditions and incidences of sexual harassment of members of the armed forces, and of veterans of the armed forces.

Among the duties of the Office is to evaluate the scope and impact of problems relative to sexual harassment within the armed forces and for veterans; problems being experienced by victims of sexual harassment; evaluate preventive measures, education and training, and counseling measures that could be implemented to prevent sexual harassment, and other conditions and factors relevant to determining comprehensive information and data.

The Office shall, upon completion of its evaluation and review, issue its findings and recommendations, and make all efforts to implement directives, preventive measures, codes of conduct, compliance procedures for adherence to rules, regulations and laws governing acts of sexual harassment, counseling, education and guidance, or other support services, and any other initiatives designed to assist veterans and members of the armed forces who have or who are experiencing acts of sexual harassment during their current or past tour of duty in the armed forces, or who need assistance and support services during transitions into civilian life.

The Office shall utilize all available resources to fulfill its intent and objectives, including, but not limited to, current resources and services available, access to services, treatment, and programs existing in any state agency or subdivisions, and to call upon veterans who have left service and who would be available, on a voluntary basis, to fulfill supportive, counseling, guidance, or any other role that would assist victims of sexual harassment.