D.C. Act 25-292. Sexual Harassment Investigation Review Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2023.
AN ACT
To require, on an emergency basis, due to congressional review, the Inspector General to hire outside counsel for the purpose of reviewing previous investigations of sexual harassment complaints against the former Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and Chief of Staff to the Mayor and to produce a report of findings.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this act may be cited as the "Sexual Harassment Investigation Review Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2023".
Sec. 2. (a) In Fiscal Year 2023 and subject to funding availability, the Inspector General shall hire and direct independent counsel to:
(1) Review investigations by the Mayor of complaints of sexual harassment and violations of Mayor's Order 2017-313, effective December 18, 2017, against the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and Chief of Staff to the Mayor as of January 1, 2023;
(2) Investigate other findings and items outside of the scope of prior investigations pursuant to paragraph (1) of this section, including hiring and promotion practices, workplace culture, and allegations of retaliation against complainants; and,
(3) Review and make recommendations on sexual harassment complaint and investigation procedures for District government.
(b) The Inspector General shall provide findings to the Mayor and Council no later than 90 days after the effective date of this act.
(c) Independent counsel hired by the Inspector General pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall have experience in confidentiality and sexual harassment law, including litigation and mediation.
(d) Any subsequent formal or informal complaints received related to individuals and systems investigated pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be investigated by independent counsel under the direction of the Inspector General.
(e) The Inspector General may limit expenditures required to meet the requirements of this act to $450,000.
Sec. 3. Applicability.
This act shall apply as of July 31, 2023.
Sec. 4. Fiscal impact statement.
The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement of the Budget Director as the fiscal impact statement required by section 4a of the General Legislative Procedures Act of 1975, approved October 16, 2006 (120 Stat. 2038; D.C. Official Code § 1-301.47a).
Sec. 5. Effective date.
This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by the Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), and shall remain in effect for no longer than 90 days, as provided for emergency acts of the Council of the District of Columbia in section 412(a) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 788; D.C. Official Code § 1-204.12(a)).
