Attorney General Letitia James released the following statement regarding the passage of legislation updating sexual harassment laws regarding prevention policies and the claims process:
“There is no place for sexual harassment in the workplace. This commonsense legislation updates our state’s harassment laws by establishing stronger protections for employees and steps up our sexual harassment prevention policies. New Yorkers strive to build inclusive communities—free of fear, intimidation and harassment. Thanks to the work of the bill’s sponsors, Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas and State Senator Alessandra Biaggi, this bill bring us one step closer to making that ideal a reality.”
The bill (S6577/A8421) clarifies that human rights laws apply to public employers and lower the “severe and pervasive” standard currently needed to submit a claim, establishing further protections for employees. Additionally, the bill reforms sexual harassment trainings and calls for a study on prevention policies.