What's happening
This bill requires lobbyists to report the number of sexual harassment complaints filed by clients or related parties.
Why it matters
Increases transparency and accountability. by requiring lobbyists and their organizations to publicly report the number of sexual harassment complaints received, making it harder for such incidents to be hidden within the lobbying industry.
Standardizes the definition of sexual harassment complaints. by linking it to existing legal standards in New York labor and executive law, ensuring consistency in what must be reported and reducing ambiguity.
Expands the scope of reporting. to include complaints not just from clients but also from persons, organizations, or legislative bodies that interact with the lobbyist, broadening who is protected and what gets disclosed.
May influence organizational behavior. by creating reputational and possibly legal incentives for lobbyists and their clients to address and prevent sexual harassment, potentially leading to safer, more professional environments in and around legislative advocacy.
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Track Lobbyist Harassment Complaints
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
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History
- Referred to governmental operations
- Print number 717a
- Amend (t) and recommit to governmental operations
- Referred to governmental operations
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.
Track Lobbyist Harassment Complaints
In Senate Committee · Ethics And Internal Governance · Sponsor Alessandra Biaggi
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
717--A
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY (Prefiled)
January 9, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. PAULIN -- read once and referred to the Committee on Governmental Operations -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
AN ACT to amend the legislative law, in relation to sexual harassment complaints by clients of lobbyists
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision c of section 1-e of the legislative law is amended by adding a new paragraph 9 to read as follows:
(9) (i) the number, if any, of complaints related to sexual harassment received, by the lobbyist or their organization filed by the client of a lobbyist or persons, organizations, or legislative bodies before which the lobbyist is lobbying.
(ii) For purposes of this section only "complaints related to sexual harassment" shall mean a complaint that would qualify under the rules or regulations promulgated under section two hundred one-g of the labor law or section two hundred ninety-six-d of the executive law.
§ 2. Paragraph 5 of subdivision (b) of section 1-h of the legislative law is amended by adding a new subparagraph (vi) to read as follows:
(vi) (A) the number, if any, of complaints related to sexual harassment received, by the lobbyist or their organization filed by the client of a lobbyist or persons, organizations, or legislative bodies before which the lobbyist is lobbying.
(B) For purposes of this section only "complaints related to sexual harassment" shall mean a complaint that would qualify under the rules or regulations promulgated under section two hundred one-g of the labor law or section two hundred ninety-six-d of the executive law.
§ 3. Paragraph 6 of subdivision (b) of section 1-j of the legislative law, as added by section 7-b of part A of chapter 399 of the laws of 2011, is amended and a new paragraph 7 is added to read as follows:
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD01658-03-9
A. 717--A 2
(6) (i) the name and public office address of any statewide elected official, state officer or employee, member of the legislature or legislative employee and entity with whom the client of a lobbyist has a reportable business relationship;
(ii) a description of the general subject or subjects of the transactions between the client of a lobbyist and the statewide elected official, state officer or employee, member of the legislature or legislative employee and entity; [and]
(iii) the compensation, including expenses, to be paid and paid by virtue of the business relationship[.]; and
(7) (i) the number, if any, of complaints related to sexual harassment received, by the lobbyist or their organization filed by the client of a lobbyist or persons, organizations, or legislative bodies before which the lobbyist is lobbying;
(ii) for purposes of this section only "complaints related to sexual harassment" shall mean a complaint that would qualify under the rules or regulations promulgated under section two hundred one-g of the labor law or section two hundred ninety-six-d of the executive law.
§ 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
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