Bill > A01366

This bill amends the arts and cultural affairs law to provide legal protections for art authenticators, who are experts recognized in the visual arts community for providing professional opinions about the authenticity, attribution, or authorship of fine art or visual art multiples. The bill defines an "authenticator" as a person or entity with expertise about a specific artist or artwork, explicitly excluding those with a financial interest in the artwork beyond compensation for their professional services. In civil actions related to authentication, the bill requires claimants to specify with particularity the factual basis of their claims and prove them by clear and convincing evidence. Additionally, the bill entitles an authenticator who prevails in a lawsuit to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses, but only upon a written finding of good and just cause. The legislation aims to protect art experts from frivolous lawsuits and provide a legal framework that encourages scholarly and professional art authentication by reducing potential legal risks. The bill will take effect 60 days after becoming law and will apply to authentication opinions provided after its effective date.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1366