An Idaho lawmaker was the subject of a complaint for allegedly making inappropriate comments to at least two people during the 2017 session,
though legislative leadership says the issue was addressed immediately.
The complaint says that Representative James Holtzclaw made a woman feel uncomfortable and asked her if and how she used the social media Snapchat app. A separate person in the complaint says they told Holtzclaw that his flirty comments would not be tolerated.
The 42-year-old three-term Republican from Meridian says the situation was a misunderstanding and that he didn’t remember the interactions noted in the complaint when legislative leaders contacted him about it.
House Speaker Scott Bedke says the matter was handled directly and immediately, and assumed the issue was closed. Bedke hasn’t elaborated on what actions were taken.
Both the Idaho House and Senate have sexual harassment policies that include details for reporting offensive behavior and examples of behaviors to avoid, such as excessive compliments, compliments about an employee’s body, and hugs.
Lawmakers will undergo training in 2018 that addresses sexual harassment. (AP)
