Representative Keven Stratton, R-Orem, presented 2nd Sub. H.B. 12 – Abusive Conduct Reporting Amendments on the House floor on February 27, 2020. This bill aims to expand the Executive Branch Abusive Conduct Reporting Policy to all State employees, including Judicial Branch and Higher Education. He explained that the dialogue on expansion began during the 2019 Legislative Session, and continued during the interim to create the “best version of [implementation] of this policy.”
Rep. Stratton referenced the UPEA Handout given to legislators to explain the importance of H.B. 12. He informed legislators that when Executive Branch employees call UPEA with workplace concerns, there is a process to work with DHRM. Employees from Judicial branch and Higher Education don’t have these options.
He summed up his presentation saying the bill seeks to “create a work environment free from abusive conduct.” Upon passing, the bill requires respective Human Resource departments to conduct an objective investigation into complaints claiming any behavior that meets the definition of abusive conduct. The bill also includes training requirements for existing employees and employers; this functions as a preventative measure and empowers employees to come forward.
2nd Sub. H.B. 12 passed unanimously on the House floor. UPEA will continue to track the bill’s progress as it goes through the Senate.