Washington State Senate establishes ‘Code of Conduct Workgroup’

The Washington State Senate has begun Phase II of its effort to maintain an appropriate and respectful workplace in the Legislature with the creation of the ‘Senate Code of Conduct Workgroup.’

The workgroup includes representatives from the lobbying community, Senate staff from both caucuses, non-partisan Committee Services staff, legislative agency staff, as well as an executive branch agency liaison. Two members of the Senate – Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center, and Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond – are also participating. Rivers and Dhingra each represent the members of their caucuses in the discussion.

“We’re actively engaging every workgroup with an interest in preventing workplace harassment and discrimination in the Senate,” explained Brad Hendrickson, Secretary of the Senate. “Staff, Senators and lobbyists all have a seat at the table. Everyone involved brings their own opinions and experiences to this process but with the common goal of ensuring the Senate is a safe and respectful place for everyone who serves, works, or visits here.”

The group plans to finish its work in December. Senate members and staff will have the opportunity to review and comment on the Code before it is submitted for approval to the Facilities & Operations Committee in January.

The final ‘Senate Code of Conduct’ will be posted online alongside the existing ‘Policy on Appropriate Workplace Conduct’ and relevant internal and external resources.

The House of Representatives is developing a Code of Conduct as well. Ideally, the Senate and the House of Representatives will eventually blend the two into one overarching, consistent Code for the entire Legislative community. House and Senate administration has remained in close contact throughout this process.

Phase I of this project, which resulted in the staff-centered ‘Policy on Appropriate Workplace Conduct,’ creates a new human resources position, which will be responsible for training Senate members and staff on how to identify and avoid discrimination and harassment and for managing complaints and investigations of such behavior. Senate administration is currently conducting a search for a candidate for this position.