The state legislature’s ethics committee is investigating Baltimore City House Delegation Chair Curt Anderson for alleged sexual misconduct.

The investigation is among the first to fall under a state law passed this year that requires independent investigations of alleged sexual misconduct.

“Independent investigations are incredibly important because they remove the investigation of legislators’ conduct from the political context,” said Montgomery County Del. Ariana Kelly, who chairs the Women’s Caucus in Annapolis and sponsored the new law.

“Under a system that doesn’t have independent investigations, the people conducting the investigation and making recommendations are in-house attorneys who also work for the legislature.”

According to The Baltimore Sun, five women, including three current legislators, have been interviewed as part of the investigation into Anderson.

In a police report filed this past December, a woman accused Anderson of locking her in his office in December 2004 and performing oral sex on her without consent while he masturbated.

A sitting lawmaker says that three years ago, Anderson approached her while she was on her way to her seat on the House floor and kissed her on the mouth.

Anderson could not be reached. He denied the accusations in an interview with the Sun.

Members of the legislature’s ethics committee said they could not comment on matters before the committee.

Anderson is currently seeking reelection in a district that stretches north from Midtown Baltimore.