New Mexico statehouse embarks on anti-harassment overhaul

By: Morgan Lee

The Associated Press

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico-based lobbyists attended voluntary, state-sponsored training Thursday on how to prevent and report sexual misconduct, and lawmakers will be required to undergo similar training next week.

It’s part of a push by the Legislature to make the Capitol work environment safer amid a nationwide debate over sexual misconduct.

The Legislature is revising its anti-harassment policies after women began breaking their silence about sexual misconduct and harassment in the Capitol. Legislators last attended sexual harassment training in 2004.

New anti-harassment policies and procedures could be adopted as soon as Monday, the day before the Legislature convenes for a 30-day session.