Texas House establishes anti-harassment work group

A bipartisan team of 10 legislators will continue the Texas House of Representatives’ battle against sexual harassment within the halls of the Texas Capitol. Last December, the House Committee on Administration revamped the chamber’s process for reporting and resolving sexual harassment claims, making it easier for employees to report harassment.

The change also requires all House employees to participate in harassment and discrimination training.

The new work group will examine existing policies and develop possible improvements aimed at eliminating sexual harassment of House of Representative members and staff.

The group is co-chaired by Reps. Donna Howard (D–Austin) and Linda Koop (R–Dallas). Democratic members include Reps. Nicole Collier (Fort Worth), Abel Herrero (Robstown), Lina Ortega (El Paso) and Gene Wu (Houston). Republican members are Reps. Angie Chen Button (Richardson), Tony Dale (Cedar Park), Tom Oliverson (Cypress) and Gary VanDeaver (New Boston).