Legislature bans worker non-disclosure agreements for sexual assault

OLYMPIA – Workers in Washington couldn’t be forced to sign agreements that forbid them from disclosing information about sexual assault in the workplace, under a bill that received final legislative approval Monday.

The bill, which passed the Senate unanimously, says businesses can’t have a nondisclosure policy that keeps employees from testifying about sexual assault or harassment in court or at an administrative hearing. Any such current policies or agreements would be unenforceable for any actions pending or future claims that might be filed.

The bill was sent to Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature.