Answer

The Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law, including the required annual sexual harassment training, applies to both State and Local Government Entities. The Law defines “agency” as a department, office, division, agency, commission, board, committee, or other organizational unit of a governmental entity. See R.S. 42:341(1). Governmental entity is defined for the purposes of the Law to mean the State or any Political Subdivision. See R.S. 42:341(4). Therefore, the requirements under the Law, including annual sexual harassment training, sexual harassment policies, and creation of annual reports apply to both State and local political subdivisions, including special districts such as fire protection districts. The notable difference is that only State agencies are mandated to submit their completed annual reports required under R.S. 42:344. Local political subdivisions are not required to submit their completed annual report to anyone, but must make it available upon request as a public record. For additional information concerning the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law and a sample annual reporting template, please see the LLA’s White Paper on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law which can be found here. Louisiana Legislative Auditor website: 05/09/2025 12:24:11 AM