The idea of a study came about after Rep. Teresa Tanzi (D-South Kingstown) shared her own story of alleged harassment by a higher-level legislator who she did not identify.
"As many of us know, sexual harassment is ubiquitous across workplaces," Tanzi said. "Sexual harassment disproportionately affects women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ community."
Tanzi also noted that "sexual harassment not only creates a hostile work environment, it creates tangible economic costs for working women by derailing career paths and increasing the likelihood of financial strain due to unemployment, career uncertainty, and diminished hours or pay."
The state's Office of Diversity, Equity and Opportunity and the Division of Human Resources both noted that last year the average monthly hiring of workers of color reached 28%. That compares with 22% in 2016. Both of those offices also reported that there were eight sexual harassment complaints filed last year.