On September 30, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill requiring lobbyists to complete training on sexual harassment in connection with lobbying activities.

Assembly Bill 2055 adds a component to training already required for lobbyists registered with the state and conducted by the ethics committees in both houses of the California Legislature.

The lobbyist training course now must include “information on each house of the Legislature’s policies against harassment, including sexual harassment, in connection with lobbying activities.”

The Georgia House of Representatives unanimously voted today to require lobbyists to sign an annual statement agreeing to abide by the General Assembly’s sexual harassment policy.

House Bill 973 would make signing this statement a condition to lobbyist registration, and violations of the policy would be grounds for sanctions.

The bill has not yet been assigned a committee in the Senate.

Under a California bill introduced on February 6, registered lobbyists could face suspension up to four years if found to have committed an act of sexual harassment.

Assembly Bill 2055 requires the Fair Political Practices Commission to investigate sexual harassment complaints made against registered lobbyists.

Sexual harassment would be defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that arises out of or in the course of employment.

Sec. of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver announced a plan to offer lobbyists the option to voluntarily sign up for and receive sexual harassment training prior to each legislative session.

Lobbyist registration forms will be amended to include a checkbox confirming a lobbyist has received the provided sexual harassment training.

Dates and logistics for the training have yet to be announced.

Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill passed by lawmakers during the fall veto session aimed at curbing sexual harassment within state government.

Senate Bill 402 expressly prohibits sexual harassment by lobbyists, provides for a $5,000 fine for violations, and requires lobbyists to take an annual sexual harassment training course. The training course must be completed within 30 days of registration or renewal, beginning January 1, 2018.

Additionally, each person and entity required to register must have a written sexual harassment policy by January 1, 2018.

Gov. Rauner criticized the bill as rushed and needing more work, but conceded it was a step in the right direction.

The bill takes effect immediately.

Utah lawmakers rejected a proposal Wednesday to require lobbyists to undergo annual anti-harassment training as a requirement to be a licensed lobbyist. Utah currently requires lawmakers and staff to undergo training about harassment, but no such requirement exists for lobbyists who visit the Capitol and meet with lawmakers and staff.

The proposal comes after sexual harassment allegations have increased across the country and can still be considered during the next legislative session. Some legislators worry about the burden it would put on lobbyists and those who regulate them.

The proposal allows the lieutenant governor’s office to issue fines and suspend lobbyist licenses for up to five years if a lobbyist is found to have harassed.