Bill > A00687

This bill amends the New York Civil Rights Law to provide legal protections for individuals making communications about sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination without malice. Specifically, the bill creates a legal privilege for communications related to such incidents, meaning these communications cannot be the basis for a defamation lawsuit. If someone is sued for making such a privileged communication and successfully defends themselves, they would be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs, and potentially treble damages. The bill defines "communication" broadly to include factual information about various types of sexual assault, workplace harassment, discrimination, and related acts of retaliation. To qualify for this protection, the individual making the communication must have had a reasonable basis to file a complaint about the incident, regardless of whether a formal complaint was actually filed. This legislation aims to encourage individuals to speak up about experiences of sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination without fear of legal repercussions, while providing a legal mechanism to protect those who do so in good faith.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A687