National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025
Latest Action
Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
Official Summary
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025 This bill expands requirements for addressing sexual harassment and sexual assault involving personnel of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The bill specifies that NOAA's sexual harassment prevention and response policy applies to personnel such as observers, at-sea monitors, and voting members and staff of regional fishery management councils. The bill removes the requirement that certain acts, such as assault, intimidation, and sexual harassment of an observer or a data collector, be forcible in nature to be unlawful. The bill also requires NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations to establish a policy for reporting to the Coast Guard the names of NOAA personnel involved in a sexual harassment or sexual assault claim. Specifically, such reports must identify employees or contractors who are the subject of such claim, the time and date of the incident, and the location of the vessel when the incident occurred. The bill prohibits a person convicted of certain sexual offenses from enlisting with or being commissioned by NOAA. Additionally, the bill directs NOAA to update its policies to develop a restricted reporting system that allows employees and other personnel to confidentially report sexual harassment or assault and receive services without triggering an investigation. Finally, the bill also expands reporting requirements on sexual harassment, sexual assault, and equal employment.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025 aims to strengthen NOAA's policies and procedures related to sexual harassment and sexual assault involving its personnel. It broadens the scope of covered personnel to include observers, at-sea monitors, and regional fishery management council members and staff. The bill removes the requirement that certain unlawful acts be forcible in nature, mandates reporting of sexual harassment or assault claims to the Coast Guard with specific incident details, prohibits individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses from NOAA enlistment or commissioning, and requires the development of a confidential restricted reporting system. Additionally, it expands reporting requirements on sexual harassment, sexual assault, and equal employment within NOAA.
This bill enhances NOAA's sexual harassment and assault prevention policies by expanding coverage, improving reporting mechanisms, and restricting employment eligibility based on sexual offense convictions.
- Expands NOAA's sexual harassment prevention policy to include observers, at-sea monitors, and regional fishery management council personnel.
- Removes the requirement that acts such as assault or intimidation be forcible to be considered unlawful.
- Requires NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations to report sexual harassment or assault claims to the Coast Guard with detailed incident information.
- Prohibits individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses from enlisting or being commissioned by NOAA.
- Mandates the development of a restricted reporting system allowing confidential reporting without triggering investigations.
- Expands reporting requirements related to sexual harassment, sexual assault, and equal employment.
['NOAA personnel including employees, observers, at-sea monitors, and regional fishery management council members and staff', 'NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations', 'U.S. Coast Guard (receiving incident reports)', 'Individuals seeking confidential reporting options for sexual harassment or assault within NOAA']
['Implementation challenges in establishing and maintaining a restricted confidential reporting system without triggering investigations', 'Administrative and operational costs associated with expanded reporting and notification requirements to the Coast Guard', 'Potential privacy and data security considerations related to sharing personnel information with the Coast Guard', 'Enforcement and oversight mechanisms for prohibiting individuals with certain sexual offense convictions from NOAA employment are not detailed in the summary', 'The full bill text is not available, limiting detailed assessment of authority and enforcement provisions']
The bill is part of ongoing legislative efforts to address workplace sexual harassment and assault within federal agencies, specifically targeting NOAA personnel. It reflects a broader policy area of public lands and natural resources, focusing on improving workplace safety and accountability in maritime and fisheries-related federal operations. The bill was ordered to be reported by unanimous consent as of July 15, 2026, indicating bipartisan agreement at that stage.
High concern review — 3 hidden impact flags detected
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['Improved reporting and prevention policies may enhance workplace safety and morale among NOAA personnel.', 'Expanded reporting to the Coast Guard could increase interagency coordination on personnel misconduct incidents.', "Restrictions on employment eligibility may influence NOAA's recruitment and retention strategies.", 'Confidential reporting options may encourage more personnel to come forward with complaints, potentially increasing reported incidents initially.']
The absence of the full bill text limits detailed analysis of enforcement mechanisms, funding provisions, and specific policy language. Transparency regarding how NOAA will implement the restricted reporting system and protect personnel privacy when sharing information with the Coast Guard will be important for oversight. Monitoring the administrative impact and costs associated with expanded reporting requirements is also advisable.
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