It would prohibit any member of the General Assembly from paying settlement costs with taxpayer funds, among other things.

State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, of Millcreek Township, D-3rd Dist., is co-sponsoring #MeToo PA legislation that would provide new protections and transparency to prevent sexual harassment in the state Legislature.

Bizzarro said the legislation would

• end non-disclosure agreements that hide those in positions of power accused of sexual assault and harassment;

• prohibit any member of the General Assembly from paying settlement costs with taxpayer funds;

• require paid leave or remote work assignments be offered to victims during proceedings, and

• guarantee that an attorney be available to represent victims during proceedings.

"Americans are no longer staying silent about hostile work environments and abhorrent behaviors in the workplace,'' Bizzarro said. "The Pennsylvania Legislature has a moral responsibility to not only make these necessary changes but to take a leadership role in creating an environment welcoming to our employees and the public at large.

"It is well past the time that we lawmakers take a stand on behalf of the victims, employees, taxpayers and public at large, and declare that those in power can never use their position to abuse,'' Bizzarro said.