New Mexico statehouse embarks on anti-harassment overhaul

Human Resources consultant Linda Strauss, left, provides training to some 40 registered New Mexico political lobbyists on how to recognize, prevent and report sexual misconduct and harassment, on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018, in Santa Fe, N.M. Photo by Morgan Lee.

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.