Bill > A02139

This bill establishes the "Honoring Our Pledge to Eliminate Antisemitism (HOPE) act", which requires state agencies and courts to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition and contemporary examples of antisemitism when reviewing, investigating, or deciding on potential discriminatory acts. The bill defines antisemitism as per the IHRA's working definition adopted in May 2016, which includes specific contemporary examples of antisemitic behavior. State agencies must consider this definition when examining potential discrimination claims, particularly those under Article 15 of the executive law, while maintaining the same legal standards applied to other discrimination cases. The legislation also mandates that the IHRA definition be used as an educational tool for state personnel during anti-bias and discrimination training. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that it is not intended to infringe upon First Amendment rights or free speech protections, but rather to ensure that individuals of Jewish faith, heritage, or identity are fully protected from discrimination. The act will take effect immediately upon passage.

Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2139