What's happening
This bill allows victims of sexual harassment to file claims against the state within six months after agency complaints are resolved.
Why it matters
Improves access to justice for victims. By allowing a six-month window to file claims after agency action, the bill ensures that victims of sexual harassment have a clear and reasonable opportunity to pursue damages from the state, even if internal or agency processes have taken significant time.
Reduces pressure to rush decisions. Victims no longer have to file court claims while simultaneously navigating lengthy agency investigations, making it less likely they'll miss their chance for legal recourse due to overlapping or confusing deadlines.
Promotes accountability in government workplaces. By explicitly enabling claims against the state after agency processes conclude, the legislation encourages state and local agencies to handle harassment complaints seriously, knowing that unresolved or dismissed cases could still result in legal action.
Standardizes legal timelines. The bill creates a uniform, predictable filing period for sexual harassment claims against the state, helping victims, attorneys, and agencies better understand their rights and responsibilities.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Sexual Harassment Filing Deadline
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
History
- Referred to judiciary
- Referred to judiciary
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
5034
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 6, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. ZEBROWSKI -- read once and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
AN ACT to amend the court of claims act, in relation to establishing the time period during which to file a claim for sexual harassment against the state in cases when a complaint was filed with a state or local agency
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 10 of the court of claims act is amended by adding a new subdivision 4-a to read as follows:
4-a. If the claimant filed a complaint with any state or local agency alleging unlawful discriminatory practices constituting sexual harassment, a claim shall be filed and served upon the attorney general within six months of the final adjudication or dismissal of the complaint by the state or local agency.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to all cases alleging unlawful discriminatory practices constituting sexual harassment occurring on and after such effective date. Effective immediately the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made on or before such date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD00399-01-9
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.