Sexual Harassment prevention training guidelines vary by state. Some states recommend training; others require training for both managers and non-supervisors.
Here are sexual harassment training guidelines for all 50 states. There are 7 states that require sexual harassment prevention training for private sector employers.
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Maine
- New York
- Illinois
- Washington
State-specific requirements for private sector employers:
Alabama
Training is not required.
For more information, see alabama.gov
Alaska
Training is not required.
For more information, see alaska.gov
Arizona
Training is not required.
For more information, see azag.gov
Arkansas
Training is not required.
For more information, see eeoc.gov
California
Training is required.
For more information, see ca.gov
Colorado
Training is not required.
For more information, see colorado.gov
Connecticut
Training is required.
For more information, see ct.gov
Delaware
Training is required.
For more information, see here
District of Columbia
New Training Law For Tipped Employees
For more information, see here
Florida
Training is not required.
Georgia
Training is not required.
For more information, see ga.us
Hawaii
Training is not required.
For more information, see hawaii.gov
Idaho
Training is recommended, not required.
The Idaho Human Rights Commission states: Effective policies and employee training can go a long way towards discouraging improper conduct before it becomes serious enough to violate the law.
For more information, see daho.gov
Illinois
Training is required:
For more information, see illinois.gov
Indiana
Training is not required.
For more information, see in.gov
Iowa
Training is not required.
For more information, see iowa.gov
Kansas
Training is not required
For more information, see khrc.net
Kentucky
Training is not required
For more information, see ky.gov
Louisiana
Training is not required
For more information, see here
Maine
Training is required.
For more information, see maine.gov
Maryland
Training is not required.
Massachusetts
Training is encouraged, not required.
For more information, see mass.gov
Michigan
Training is not required.
For more information, see michigan.gov
Minnesota
Training is not required.
For more information, see mn.gov
Mississippi
Training is not required for private sector employees.
For more information, see ms.gov
Missouri
Training is not required.
For more information, see mo.gov
Montana
Training is not required.
For more information, see mt.gov
Nebraska
Training is not required.
For more information, see ne.gov
Nevada
Training is not required.
For more information, see nv.us
New Hampshire
Training is not required.
For more information, see nh.gov
New Jersey
Training is not required for private sector employees. However, in 2002 (Gaines v. Bellino) the New Jersey Supreme Court held that state courts should consider whether or not an employer made training available to supervisors and all employees when deciding whether or not an employer had been negligent in preventing sexual harassment under state law.
For more information, see nj.gov
New Mexico
Training is not required.
For more information, see nm.us
New York
Training is required.
For more Information, see ny.gov
Note that New York City has also enacted required training, but the content overlaps
North Carolina
Training is required.
All state agencies are required to develop a plan on unlawful workplace harassment that includes training and other methods to educate state employees.See: 25 N.C.A.C. 1J.1101.
For more Information, see nc.gov
North Dakota
Training is not required.
For more information nd.gov
Ohio
Training is not required but state law recommends it.
The Ohio Administrative Code states that: “Prevention is the best tool for the elimination of sexual harassment. An employer should take all steps necessary to prevent sexual harassment from occurring, such as affirmatively raising the subject, expressing strong disapproval, developing appropriate sanctions, informing employees of their right to raise and how to raise the issue of harassment under Chapter 4112. of the Revised Code, and developing methods to sensitize all concerned.”See: Ohio Adm. Code 4112-5-05(J)(6).
For more information, see ohio.gov
Oklahoma
Training is not required.
For more information, see ok.gov
Oregon
Training is recommended, not required.
The Oregon government Technical Assistance for Employers states: The employer should emphasize the importance of its sexual harassment policy through communication and training. Training for staff is essential. Employers should have departmental or unit meetings to explain policies and grievance procedures, so that all employees understand what is prohibited conduct and how to complain about it.
For more information, see oregon.gov
Pennsylvania
Training is required for state employees only.
For more information, see pa.gov
Rhode Island
Training is encouraged, not required.
For more information, see here
South Carolina
Training is not required.
For more information, see sc.gov
South Dakota
Training is recommended, not required. The South Dakota Division of Human Rights of the Department of Labor and Regulation urges prevention:
Prevention
Making sure it never happens in the first place is the best way to eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace. Employers should:
- Take all steps necessary to prevent sexual harassment from occurring.
- Have an explicit policy against sexual harassment that is clearly and regularly communicated to employees and effectively implemented.
- Affirmatively raise the subject with all personnel, express strong disapproval and explain the sanctions for harassment.
For more information, see sd.gov
Tennessee
Training is not required.
For more information, see tn.gov
Texas
Training is recommended to cover SB 45 and HB 21
For more information, see texas.gov
Utah
Training is not required.
For more information, see utah.gov
Vermont
Training is encouraged, not required.
For more information, see vermont.gov
Virginia
Training is not required.
For more information, see va.us
Washington State
Training is only required for certain industries.
For more information, see wa.gov
West Virginia
Training is not required.
For more information, see wv.gov
Wisconsin
Training is not required.
For more information, see wisconsin.gov
Wyoming
Training is not required.
For more information, see here
As workplace and labor laws continue to evolve, it's important to know your state's sexual harassment prevention training requirements. Delivering training that's accessible and relatable is essential. It ensures a safe and inclusive workplace.
