Vermont Business MagazineThe House gave preliminary approval Tuesday to theSexual Harassment Prevention Bill (H.707)on a vote of 131-2. Two additional bills will be up for consideration later this week, includingH.639, which bans cost-sharing for breast imaging servicesandH.404, which establishes Medicaid reimbursement for long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs).
“While women’s roles have evolved significantly in the past few decades, rules and standards have not,” said House Speaker Mitzi Johnson. “The call to action for change across the nation encouraged the House to take up several pieces of legislation that support women's health and women in the workplace this year.”
“In response to the #MeToo movement, H.707 provides more protections for all types of victims of harassment in the workplace,” said Representative Copeland-Hanzas, the lead sponsor of the bill. “Currently, reporting a case of harassment exposes a victim to retaliation, and there are no provisions in place that allow victims to assist in future cases of harassment committed but their harasser. This bill would clean up the laws concerning non-disclosures, and would help to protect victims from retaliation by employers or harassers.”
“Women still face a major gap when it comes to health care access and affordability,” said Representative Betsy Dunn. “Unfortunately there are some barriers to address breast cancer, which is one of the largest health concerns women face. H.639 would eliminate those barriers by banning cost sharing for all breast imaging services, which allows for more early detection and care.”
“H.404 ensures that long acting reversible contraceptives, one of the most effective reversible methods available, remain available to low income women,” said Representative Annmarie Christensen. “This bill is vital to ensuring women retain control of their reproductive choices, regardless of their income or economic situation.”
Source: Speaker 3.13.2018