New York already has some of the strongest anti-harassment and anti-discrimination laws in the country, due in large part to sweeping amendments to the state’s anti-discrimination laws in 2018 and 2019. Nevertheless, New York lawmakers once again have workplace harassment and discrimination in their sights. Governor Hochul just signed into law two new pieces of legislation—one establishing a confidential hotline for complaints of workplace sexual harassment and one strengthening anti-retaliation protections. And it is likely that more is on the way—the New York Senate recently passed a suite of bills aimed to provide increased protections to victims of workplace harassment and discrimination. If enacted, the laws will have widespread impact on New York workplaces. Here’s what you need to know.
The Enacted Laws
So far, two pieces of the slate of legislation have been enacted. First is a law that requires the New York State Division of Human Rights (NYSDHR) to establish a toll-free, confidential hotline to provide assistance to individuals with complaints of workplace sexual harassment. The hotline must operate during regular business hours and is to be staffed by pro bono attorneys experienced in providing counsel regarding sexual harassment. The NYSDHR must work with the New York Department of Labor to disseminate information about the hotline, including on required workplace postings and sexual harassment materials. This law takes effect July 14, 2022.
Second, the...
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