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House Majority Leader Proposes Change For Sex Harassment Cases

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- A powerful House Republican is proposing a drastic change to state law that would make it easier to prosecute sexual harassment.

Lawmakers have singled out a phrase in how courts handle sexual harassment cases statewide: "severe and pervasive." They say that legal standard is far too high and has resulted in clear cases of sexual harassment being dismissed.

GOP House Majority Leader Joyce Peppin unveiled a bill Monday that would make clear that standard no longer applies. She says it would likely result in more sexual harassment complaints being filed and called that a good thing.

It's part of a concerted effort to address sexual harassment nationwide. Three Minnesota lawmakers, including former U.S. Sen. Al Franken, were forced to resign after they were accused of repeated sexual harassment.

(© Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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