Arizona Legislature OKs ban on harassment secrecy pacts
PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Legislature on Wednesday gave final approval to a proposal allowing victims of sexual misconduct to talk to police or testify in a criminal case even if they signed a non-disclosure agreement as part of a civil settlement.
The proposal from Republican Rep. Maria Syms of Paradise Valley also bars non-disclosure agreements for public officials who use state cash to settle sexual misconduct complaints. It passed the House on a 59-0 vote Wednesday after earlier unanimous Senate approval and now goes to Gov. Doug Ducey for consideration.
Syms said her proposal closes a "sexual predator loophole" forcing victims to remain silent as perpetrators avoid prosecution.