New Vermont law increases protection from sexual harassment
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — A new Vermont law inspired by the #MeToo movement strengthen protections for workers facing sexual harassment.
The law taking effect Sunday extends the types of employees protected from sexual harassment, which now includes interns, volunteers and independent contractors.
It will prevent companies from forcing employees to sign away their right to report or sue for sexual harassment and prohibit settlement agreements from including provisions that say they worker cannot work for the company in the future. It will also create an online portal where people can report harassment and allow the office of the attorney general to visit workplaces and inquire.
Rep. Sarah Copeland-Hanzas is a Democrat from Orange County.