Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that he is immediately implementing sanctions recommended by the bi-partisan Assembly Ethics and Guidance Committee concerning the conduct of Assemblymember Steven F. McLaughlin.

Specifically, the Committee recommended the following actions:

1. A letter of admonition be issued publicly to Assemblymember McLaughlin by the Speaker on behalf of the entire Assembly, enumerating the findings of the Committee and stating that Assemblymember McLaughlin's conduct violated the Assembly's Policy Prohibiting Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation as it pertains to sexual harassment and confidentiality, and is consistent with the standards of conduct to which Members of the Assembly should be held;
2. Assemblymember McLaughlin be directed to cease revealing the name of the complainant and details of the allegations and investigation;
3. Assemblymember McLaughlin be precluded from having any interns working in his Assembly or district office, and that the prohibition applies to interns assigned by the Assembly as well as any interns that might be engaged through unofficial channels; and
4. Assemblymember McLaughlin be required to reimburse the Assembly for the cost of the comprehensive supplemental sexual harassment and retaliation prevention training he took in July 2017.

Speaker Heastie accepts in full the recommendations of the Committee except recommendation 4. As for recommendation 4, all members of the Assembly and most staff are required to attend periodic training. The Assembly will not seek reimbursement from either members or employees for training regarding unlawful discrimination as it is a priority of the New York State Assembly to maintain a safe work environment for members, employees and interns.

November 29, 2017 letter from the Speaker to Assemblymember McLaughlin
November 27, 2017 letter from the Ethics Committee to the Speaker
June 22, 2017 letter from the Speaker to Ethics Committee Chair
June 21, 2017 letter from the Ethics Committee to the Speaker