Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to override a veto of a bill that requires state employers to implement a policy prohibiting certain conduct in the workplace.

Highlights:

• Requires state employers to adopt and communicate to all employees a written policy prohibiting “abusive conduct” in the workplace, within 6 months after the effective date of this bill (Sec. 1).

• Requires the written policy prohibiting “abusive conduct” in the workplace to include certain criteria, but is not limited to, the following criteria (Sec. 1):
• A clear policy statement prohibiting “abusive conduct”;
• A statement prohibiting retaliation against a targeted employee, witness, or anyone who in good faith provides information about incidents of “abusive conduct”;
• A procedure which identifies all individuals to whom an employee may report “abusive conduct” to, whether he or she is targeted or not; and
• A procedure for employees to request and receive trained conflict resolution assistance within the workplace whether a formal complaint of “abusive conduct” is filed or not. 

• Defines “abusive conduct” as a pattern of incidents directed at another employee or group of employees which intimidates, degrades, or humiliates the target including, but not limited to, the following actions (Sec. 1):
• The creation of unreasonable demands, for example workload, deadlines, or duties that set an employee up for failure;
• The constant and unreasonable criticism which is not part of a typical evaluation process; and 
• Ignoring or showing hostility towards an employee seeking information or assistance. 

• Requires state employers to establish a written procedure for the investigation of reports of abusive conduct, that must be initiated within 5 work days of the reported incident including, but not limited to, the following actions (Sec. 1):
• Appointment of an impartial investigator from outside the agency, if possible;
• A time limit of 30 days for investigations for a preliminary report; and
• A provision for confidentiality of the investigation.

Full Bill Text

Vetoed by Governor Maggie Hassan