House Speaker J.D. Mesnard will ask fellow lawmakers to censure Rep. Don Shooter following an investigation which he said found "credible evidence" that the Yuma Republican violated the House of Representatives policy against sexual harassment.
In releasing the 82-page report conducted by an outside investigator, Mesnard said he is permanently removing Shooter from all committee assignments. That goes beyond the action Shooter took last month when the allegations first arose when he stripped Shooter of his post chairing the House Appropriations Committee.
Separately, Mesnard said the investigation found no credible evidence that Rep. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, R-Scottsdale, who had made allegations against Shooter, had violated any House policies. Shooter had alleged improprieties with Ugenti-Rita having a romantic relationship with a House staffer and that she had used improper language in talking with another legislator.
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There was no immediate response from Shooter.
Aside from acting against Shooter, Mesnard said he will propose new House rules to include a formal anti-harassment policy. He said they will "carry the force of law."
He also will create a formal Human Resources Department for the House to handle personnel matters.
Finally, Mesnard said he will prohibit the consumption of alcohol on House premises. This formally closes the door on what has been a practice by some legislators of keeping liquor or beer in their offices.