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New York State and New York City Harassment Laws

Author: Beth P. Zoller, XpertHR Legal Editor

In the wake of the #MeToo movement and the renewed focus on sexual harassment, a number of states and cities are considering legislation intended to eradicate sexual harassment from the workplace. New York State and New York City are leading the way with measures that strengthen the state and city harassment laws and set an example for prudent employers in other jurisdictions. Both the New York State budget law, +2017 Bill Text NY S.B. 7507, and the Stop Sexual Harassment in NYC Act contain important provisions covering various aspects of harassment. The New York City Council passed the Stop Sexual Harassment in NYC Act on April 11, 2018, and Mayor DeBlasio signed it on May 9, 2018. The New York State provisions were signed into law on April 12, 2018.

Although these laws are New York-specific, employers in all states and jurisdictions, and particularly multistate employers, should consider some of these mandates as best practices that may help minimize the risk of liability. Below are some highlights of the new laws: