Minnesota Agencies

An April 25 resolution by the House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee created the task force and directed it to work with the House Human Resources and Research Departments to develop recommendations to strengthen the House’s discrimination and harassment policy.

In 2018, the House Rules Committee convened a subcommittee on workplace safety and respect. The subcommittee adjourned at the end of session. This task force was created to continue the work of the subcommittee in the interim and ahead of the 2019-2020 session.

A Resolution on Workplace Safety and Respect adopted by the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration on April 25, 2018 required the Task Force on Workplace Safety and Respect to collaborate with House staff on several projects.

• Conduct a community survey regarding harassment and discrimination at the House. The survey was completed Fall of 2018.
• Set up a dedicated phone and email reporting system so that anyone who wants to make a report or complaint, or voice a concern about harassment or discrimination under the House policy may use the dedicated phone number and email address established for this purpose. The phone number is: (651) 296 9896. The email address is dh@house.mn.
• Publish a public-facing webpage dedicated to harassment and discrimination. The House webpage went live on December 1, 2018.
• Create a print poster containing information similar to that available on the dedicated webpage to be posted in House spaces before the beginning of the 2019 legislative session.
• Develop further trainings. In 2018, members were required to attend an all-day training with sessions on implicit bias, and harassment and discrimination. Members are scheduled to attend required training on implicit bias, and harassment and discrimination in January of 2019.
• Review House rules and policies. The House’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment was updated in April 2018. The Task Force and staff liaisons suggest the policy be reviewed each biennium for potential updates.

2018 Chair: Rep. Debra Kiel (R-Crookston)