The legislation extends statute of limitations to three years for sexual harassment complaints under the Human Rights Law. It requires employers to provide employees notice of their sexual harassment prevention training program in writing in English and in employees’ primary languages.
Additionally, the legislation requires review and update of the model sexual harassment prevention guidance document and sexual harassment prevention policy. It also directs commissioner of labor to conduct a study on strengthening sexual harassment prevention laws.
Furthermore, it prohibits nondisclosure agreements and mandatory arbitration clauses related to discrimination.
Moreover, the legislation expands protections for domestic workers and independent contractors against all forms of harassment.
It allows courts to award attorney’s fees on all claims of employment discrimination and punitive damages in employment discrimination cases against private employers.
Comments from the leaders of the legislature
In a statement, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie noted the harassment has been a “persistent problem with detrimental impacts on workers in every industry.” He added that “no one should be subject to such abuse simply to earn a paycheck.”
