What's happening
This bill requires crisis pregnancy centers in New York to disclose that they do not provide or refer for abortion or contraception services.
Why it matters
Ensures transparency for clients. By mandating that crisis pregnancy centers clearly state they do not provide or refer for abortion or contraception, the bill helps clients make informed decisions about where to seek reproductive health services.
Defines "crisis pregnancy center" specifically. The bill creates a clear legal definition, exempting licensed health care providers and clinics that do provide or refer for abortion/contraception, targeting only those centers that might otherwise be mistaken for comprehensive reproductive health providers.
Establishes enforcement and accountability. Individuals can file complaints if a center fails to disclose this information, and the Department of Health is required to investigate within 30 days, adding a layer of oversight.
Introduces financial penalties. Centers found in violation face escalating fines, creating a concrete deterrent to non-compliance and emphasizing the importance of accurate disclosure in client interactions.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Disclose Crisis Center Limits
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
6 Co-sponsors
3 Multi-sponsors
History
- Referred to health
- Referred to health
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Disclose Crisis Center Limits
In Senate Committee · Women's Issues · Sponsor Brad Hoylman-Sigal
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2352
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 22, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. GLICK, JAFFEE, DINOWITZ, PEOPLES-STOKES, L. ROSENTHAL, TITUS, SIMON -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. GALEF, GOTTFRIED, PERRY -- read once and referred to the Committee on Health
AN ACT to amend the public health law, in relation to requiring disclosure by crisis pregnancy centers
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The public health law is amended by adding a new section 2509 to read as follows:
§ 2509. Crisis pregnancy center; disclosure. 1. Any crisis pregnancy center shall be required to disclose to a client that when inquiring about pregnancy termination, abortion or birth control, such center will not provide such services or make a referral for such services.
2. For purposes of this section "crisis pregnancy center" means an organization whose primary purpose is to provide pregnancy counseling, assistance and/or information, whether for a fee or as a free service, but does not perform abortions or refer for abortions. "Crisis pregnancy center" does not include licensed health care providers, hospitals, family planning clinics that provide or refer for abortion and/or contraception, or family planning clinics that receive federal Title X funds.
3. The disclosure required by subdivision one of this section shall be conducted upon first communication or first contact with the client or potential client and shall be either in a written statement or oral communication by staff assisting the potential client. Such disclosure shall further be reasonably understandable to the client.
4. Any person who believes that a violation of this section has occurred may file a complaint with the department. Within thirty days of receiving such complaint, the department must investigate the complaint and determine whether a violation has occurred.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05676-01-9
A. 2352 2
5. Any crisis pregnancy center violating the provisions of this section shall be subject to a civil fine of not more than one hundred dollars on the first violation and not more than two hundred fifty dollars on the second and all subsequent violations.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.