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 is a bill introduced in the House to strengthen how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) prevents and responds to sexual harassment and assault involving NOAA personnel. Building on provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2017 (as it applies to NOAA), the bill adds equal employment protections, expands data collection, and requires more transparent annual reporting about harassment, sexual assault, and equal employment. It also creates new reporting and compliance duties for vessel operators that work with NOAA personnel (including observers) and tightens eligibility rules for who can serve in NOAA’s commissioned officer corps. Key elements include enhanced reporting requirements (with case synopses and disciplinary actions), restricted reporting options that protect victims’ confidentiality, mandatory reporting by vessel operators to the Coast Guard, and a broader definition of “covered personnel” (including observers and other personnel who work with NOAA). The bill also allows certain disclosures to protect victims’ privacy, sets a timeline to update restricted reporting mechanisms, and disqualifies individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses from NOAA commissioned service. Sponsors listed include Ms. Bonamici (with Ms. Salazar and Mr. Huffman), and the bill is introduced and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
Key Points
- 1Expanded policy and data requirements: Adds equal employment to NOAA’s sexual harassment policy and requires reporting data, including a synopsis of each case and any disciplinary action, plus data under the FEAR Act (5 U.S.C. 2301 note).
- 2Annual reporting: Renames and broadens the annual reporting requirement to cover sexual harassment, sexual assault, and equal employment, with added detail such as case synopses, dispositions, and summaries of changes of station or work location requests.
- 3Restricted reporting and anonymity: Establishes a process to update restricted reporting mechanisms so victims can confidentially disclose incidents and receive services without automatic investigative triggers; provides privacy protections and notices when information is disclosed.
- 4Mariner reporting to the Coast Guard: Requires responsible entities of NOAA vessels to report incidents of harassment or assault involving NOAA personnel or contractors with merchant mariner credentials to the Coast Guard (with limited exceptions for restricted reports).
- 5Prohibition on serving NOAA officers: Adds a prohibition on serving in NOAA’s Commissioned Officer Corps for individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses; broadens disqualification criteria.