Lawmakers consider independent consultant

Top state lawmakers in Colorado say they will formally consider hiring an independent consultant to review sexual harassment policies and procedures at the legislature and also if they should institute annual workplace harassment training for all elected officials and staff.

The announcement Tuesday follows a series of sexual harassment allegations against a handful of state lawmakers during the past two weeks that have roiled the Capitol.

The legislature’s leaders have already expressed interest in reviewing their policies and looking at expanding training. Tuesday’s announcement formalizes that process.

The executive committee of the legislative council says it will meet at a yet-to-be-determined date to discuss the proposals.

The committee includes Senate President Kevin Grantham, R- Cañon City, and House Speaker Crisanta Duran, D-Denver.

Also part of the panel are Senate Majority Leader Chris Holbert, a Parker Republican; House Majority Leader KC Becker, a Boulder Democrat; Senate Minority Leader Lucia Guzman, a Denver Democrat; and House Minority Leader Patrick Neville, a Castle Rock Republican.

A Denver Post investigation published Sunday found a culture of sexual harassment and poor protections for women at the Colorado legislature dating back years.

Duran has faced criticism for her handling of sexual harassment allegations against two fellow Democrats — Reps. Steve Lebsock and Paul Rosenthal. Namely, some are questioning why she appointed Lebsock, D- Thornton, to be chairman of the Local Government Committee for the 2017-18 legislative session despite knowing about charges that he acted inappropriately toward a fellow lawmaker less than a year before.

Lebsock has been temporarily removed from his chairmanship of the Local Government Committee, and Duran — along with a host of other top Colorado Democrats — has urged him to step down.

Rosenthal, who is vice-chairman of the same committee, has been temporarily removed from his role as well.