CA Senate Changes Procedures For Sexual Harassment Claims

ARTESIA, CA -- The California State Senate announced over the weekend that it will change how it investigates claims of sexual harassment following allegation against Los Angeles County-area Sen. Tony Mendoza that he inappropriately behaved toward a staffer.

State Sen. President pro Tempore Kevin de León, along with the Rules Committee and the Senate Democratic Women's Caucus agreed that an independent, outside legal team will investigate claims of misconduct rather than the Rules Committee.

“This process will be designed to protect the privacy of victims and whistleblowers, transparency for the public, and adequate due process for all parties involved," the statement read. “While - at the discretion of victims and whistleblowers - names and details might be redacted, the general findings will be made public.

The allegations against Mendoza, D-Artesia, will be investigated under the new procedure.

“The people who work here and the public we serve must have complete confidence that no public official is above the law or our strict zero-tolerance harassment policies," said de León in a statement. "Those who violate these policies will be held to account - swiftly and justly."

de León also advised the Women's Caucus "to provide additional recommendations on new protections that will encourage those who have been victims or witnesses of harassment to come forward and report - and provide counsel and assistance throughout the reporting process.”

Mendoza, who was elected to the state Senate in 2014, has been accused by two women, one by a staffer, of inappropriately behaving toward them. Three other staffers claimed they were fired after they reported the behavior.

Mendoza served in the state Assembly for six years. He also served as a councilman in the city of Artesia.

--Photo by Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press