Bill > S06704

This bill adds a new section to the New York executive law that waives the state's Eleventh Amendment sovereign immunity (legal protection that prevents states from being sued without their consent) for certain federal civil rights violations. Specifically, the bill allows individuals to sue the state for discrimination under various federal laws, including the Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments, and the Civil Rights Act. If a violation occurs, a person can seek damages including monetary compensation for past, current, and future losses, emotional pain, and suffering, with a minimum award of $4,000, as well as attorney's fees and court costs. The bill also allows courts to issue injunctions or declaratory judgments as appropriate. Importantly, the legislation explicitly confirms that the state is waiving its constitutional immunity from lawsuits for these specific types of civil rights violations, effectively making it easier for individuals to seek legal recourse against the state for discriminatory practices.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6704