RELATED: Southern California assemblywoman accused of sexual harassment in complaint
The San Diego Democrat takes over as Senate president pro tem from Kevin de Leon.
Among the big issues she will face as Senate leader is the ongoing fallout from sexual misconduct in the capitol.
RELATED: The growing list of powerful men accused of sexual misconduct
Atkins says she will go to work on a process to deal with allegations of harassment.
Click here for a look at the latest sexual misconduct allegations.