This bill requires large publicly traded companies to publicly disclose information about workplace sexual abuse, harassment, and discrimination cases. Specifically, companies must report the number of settlements and court judgments they've paid out related to these issues, along with the total dollar amounts involved. They also need to share how long it takes them to resolve complaints and describe what steps they're taking to prevent these problems.

The disclosure covers a wide range of protected categories including sex, race, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military service status, and sexual orientation or gender identity. Companies must report both current year data and a seven-year history. However, the law protects victims' privacy by prohibiting companies from revealing victims' names, and victims can object to having their cases categorized or reported. The information gets filed in companies' annual reports that shareholders and the public can access.

Essentially, this bill shines a light on workplace misconduct by forcing companies to be transparent about how often these problems occur and how much they cost. Investors and the public can then see which companies have more of these issues, potentially influencing investment decisions and putting pressure on companies to improve their workplace cultures. The law applies to any company large enough to file annual reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Sunlight in Workplace Harassment Act

Williams, Nikema

Sunlight in Workplace Harassment Act This bill requires issuers of securities to annually disclose to the public information about certain alleged acts of sexual abuse, harassment, or discrimination in the workplace or between employees. Specifically, the issuer must disclose settlements, judgements, and active complaints regarding alleged acts of sexual abuse, harassment, or discrimination as defined by the bill. These disclosures must include the number of settlements, judgements, or active complaints; the number of these that involve acts committed by a corporate executive; the total dollar amount paid out; and the date on which the alleged act occurred. The bill limits the required disclosure by the issuer if the victim of the alleged act objects to its reporting.