Bill > S02497

This bill amends the New York civil practice law and rules to create a new rule allowing testimony about discrimination reports in civil trials, specifically permitting evidence of a person's report of discrimination to be admitted as an exception to hearsay rules. The new rule defines discrimination broadly, covering various protected characteristics such as race, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, and more. Under this rule, if someone alleging discrimination can show they reported discriminatory acts or potential discrimination to another person, the details of that report can be used as evidence in court. The report must have been made either before the last adverse action or promptly afterward, with "promptness" determined by considering the sensitive nature of the issue and the mental state of the person reporting. The person introducing this evidence must demonstrate that the report was made under circumstances that make it reasonably reliable. Importantly, this rule only applies to civil proceedings and not criminal cases, and it will take effect immediately, applying to all actions filed on or after its effective date. The goal is to provide additional legal support for individuals seeking to prove discrimination by allowing more flexible introduction of contemporaneous reports.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2497