National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025
- Last Action
- 6/3/2026
Actions
- 2026-08-20Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 662.
- 2026-08-20Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-761.
- 2026-08-20Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-761.
- 2026-07-15Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-07-15Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-07-15Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged
- 2026-06-03Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-05-29Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
- 2025-03-27Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-03-27Introduced in House
- 2025-03-27Introduced in House
CRS Summary
As of 2025-03-27 (00)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025
This bill expands requirements for addressing sexual harassment and sexual assault involving personnel of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The bill specifies that NOAA's sexual harassment prevention and response policy applies to personnel such as observers, at-sea monitors, and voting members and staff of regional fishery management councils.
The bill removes the requirement that certain acts, such as assault, intimidation, and sexual harassment of an observer or a data collector, be forcible in nature to be unlawful.
The bill also requires NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations to establish a policy for reporting to the Coast Guard the names of NOAA personnel involved in a sexual harassment or sexual assault claim. Specifically, such reports must identify employees or contractors who are the subject of such claim, the time and date of the incident, and the location of the vessel when the incident occurred.
The bill prohibits a person convicted of certain sexual offenses from enlisting with or being commissioned by NOAA.
Additionally, the bill directs NOAA to update its policies to develop a restricted reporting system that allows employees and other personnel to confidentially report sexual harassment or assault and receive services without triggering an investigation.
Finally, the bill also expands reporting requirements on sexual harassment, sexual assault, and equal employment.
Cosponsors (3)
- Maria Salazar (R-FL)
- Jared Huffman (D-CA)
- Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)
Subjects
- Assault and harassment offenses
- Crime victims
- Criminal justice information and records
- Data collection, sharing, protection
- Department of Commerce
- Employee performance
- Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
- Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
- Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
- Personnel records
Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.