Bill > A00528

This bill adds a new article to the New York Civil Rights Law that establishes clear provisions for civil rights enforcement and remedies. The bill allows individuals who have been deprived of their constitutional or legal rights by state actors to bring legal action for redress, with the New York Supreme Court having jurisdiction over such suits. The legislation provides that when state laws are insufficient to address civil rights violations, courts can apply common law principles. A key provision requires courts to award reasonable attorney's fees to prevailing parties in civil rights cases, including expert fees, with a specific exception for judicial officers who can only be liable for attorney's fees if they clearly exceeded their jurisdiction. The bill also specifies that it supplements existing legal remedies and allows courts to consider federal civil rights law interpretations (specifically 42 U.S.C. §§ 1983 and 1988) when applying this new law. The legislation aims to strengthen civil rights protections by providing a clear legal framework for seeking justice and compensation when rights are violated, while maintaining flexibility for courts to address complex civil rights issues.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A528