National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025

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.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service.