State senator-elect Dan Stec speaks about road salt legislation at Berkeley Green in Saranac Lake Dec. 4, 2020. (Enterprise photo — Aaron Cerbone)

ALBANY — State Sen. Dan Stec is cosponsoring four bills aimed at deterring and addressing sexual harassment in state government workplaces.

The “Employees in the Workforce Protections Package” would allow state employees to bring sexual harassment complaints to an employer within one year of their employment termination. It would establish an independent commission to increase transparency and combat sexual harassment in state government. It would protect employees from retaliatory actions by criminalizing the use of confidential employee personnel files for the purposes of harassment, intimidation or embarrassment. It would require statewide office holders and legislators to complete sexual harassment training and sign a certificate saying they did so under penalty of perjury, which would be posted on the Senate and Assembly websites within 30 days of completion.

All of these bills have been referred to various Senate committees for review.

These bills come as Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been accused of sexual harassment and assault by former and current aides, as well as members of the public.

“The sexual harassment allegations made by eight women against Governor Cuomo are very troubling,” Stec, R-Queensbury, said in a statement. “There are now multiple investigations into these claims. While the investigations proceed, lawmakers can and should respond in a proactive way to set a better example. There should be no ambiguity on what sexual harassment is, why it should never happen and, if it does, what should be done.

“As a young naval officer, the axiom ‘lead by example’ was drilled into my head,” Stec added. “Now, as a parent and state legislator, the same applies. Regardless of who you are, your words and actions have an impact on the lives of others. But those enacting the laws of our state should be held to the highest standard of accountability.”