This spring Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has signed into law three bills that amend the New York State Human Rights Law:

• Retaliation. Senate Bill S.5870 expands the definition of retaliation under the NYSHRL. Retaliation is now defined to include disclosing an employee’s personnel file because the employee opposed any practices forbidden under the NYSHRL, filed a complaint, or testified or assisted in any proceeding under the NYSHRL, unless the disclosure is made in connection with a proceeding under the NYSHRL, or any other judicial or administrative proceeding. Before this amendment took effect, the only way the anti-retaliation provisions of the NYSHRL could be enforced was through a private action brought by the employee. But the amendment gives the Attorney General the power to bring an action or proceeding if he or she believes that an employer has retaliated, is retaliating, or is going to retaliate against an employee. This amendment took effect March 16.
• Definition of “employer.” Assembly Bill A.2483B amends the definition of “employer” under the NYSHRL. “Employer” now explicitly includes the state and all public employers. The legislation further clarifies that the state and local entities are considered to be the direct employers of elected and appointed officials and their staff for NYSHRL purposes. This amendment took effect March 16.
• Sexual harassment hotline. Assembly Bill A.2035B amends the NYSHRL to establish a toll-free confidential hotline for workplace...

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