(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., AP) — A public hearing is scheduled to discuss proposed changes to the Missouri House’s policies governing sexual harassment and interns.

The Kansas City Star reports (http://bit.ly/1P7Nlq3 ) the hearing is scheduled for Thursday at the state Capitol.

The new policies come several months after former Missouri House Speaker John Diehl resigned after admitting to exchanging sexually suggestive text messages with a Capitol intern.

House Speaker Todd Richardson released a draft of the proposed changes last month.

The proposed policy changes include banning romantic fraternization between legislators, staff and interns, as well as a mandating that any sexual harassment complaints against lawmakers be referred to an outside attorney.

The new policies also include appointing an ombudsman to serve as a liaison between interns, House administration and universities.

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Information from: The Kansas City Star, http://www.kcstar.com