AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- CODE OF ETHICS

HB 6166 prohibits sexual harassment in legislative settings, defining it as unwanted sexual advances, requests for favors, or other inappropriate sexual conduct. It applies directly to all individuals involved in legislative work, including lawmakers, all legislative staff (full-time, part-time, temporary), interns, volunteers, and lobbyists. The bill requires complaints to be filed with the Rhode Island Ethics Commission for investigation and mandates annual anti-harassment training for all covered individuals, with completion records made public. Failure to complete training could result in disciplinary actions like warnings, reprimands, or termination.