What's happening
This bill creates the crime of sexual harassment, making certain non-consensual physical contact for sexual gratification a class A misdemeanor in New York.
Why it matters
Expands criminal liability beyond current laws. By specifically defining sexual harassment as certain non-consensual physical contacts for sexual gratification, the bill targets behaviors that may not rise to the level of sexual assault but are nonetheless invasive and harmful.
Creates new enforcement tools. Law enforcement and prosecutors would have a clear legal basis to address unwanted, sexually motivated physical contact, which could help victims seek justice when other statutes (like assault or sexual abuse) do not neatly apply.
Signals societal standards and deterrence. Making sexual harassment a class A misdemeanor underscores the seriousness of these actions, potentially deterring such behavior and sending a strong message about acceptable conduct in New York.
May impact workplaces and public spaces. The new criminal classification could affect how employers, schools, and public venues handle allegations, possibly prompting stronger preventative measures and reporting protocols.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Make Sexual Harassment a Crime
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to codes
- Print number 7382a
- Amend (t) and recommit to codes
- Referred to codes
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.
Make Sexual Harassment a Crime
In Senate Committee · Rules · Sponsor Alessandra Biaggi
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
7382--A
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
April 29, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. NIOU -- read once and referred to the Committee on Codes -- reported and referred to the Committee on Codes -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to establishing the crime of sexual harassment
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The penal law is amended by adding a new section 240.33 to read as follows: § 240.33 Sexual harassment.
A person is guilty of sexual harassment when, with the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification, and without consent, he or she slaps, strikes, shoves or kicks another person, or otherwise subjects such other person to physical contact, or attempts, or threatens to do the same.
Sexual harassment is a class A misdemeanor.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the first of November next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD08857-03-9
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.