The trove of women and men saying that they have been sexually harassed or assaulted by powerful male figures has spurred state lawmakers across the country to take action.

In California, Sen. Connie Leyva, D-Chino, recently announced that when the state Senate reconvenes in January, she will introduce legislation to ban confidential settlements in sexual assault, sexual harassment and sex discrimination cases. The bill would help others from becoming victimized, she said.