New York: Potential Updates to Harassment Laws

As part of his State of the State address, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced intentions to strengthen New York’s laws on sexual harassment in the workplace. Proposed changes include removing forced arbitration clauses in employee contracts and instituting annual reporting for any company that does business with the state. The mandatory report would require the disclosure of sexual harassment rulings and nondisclosure agreements.According to JD Supra:

One such measure backed by Governor Cuomo would void forced arbitration policies or clauses in employee contracts, which he contends would “help bring justice to victims of sexual harassment.” Additionally, the governor seeks to implement mandatory annual reporting for any companies that do business with the state which would require them to disclose the number of sexual harassment adjudications and nondisclosure agreements executed by that company.

Additionally, Governor Cuomo suggested the advancement of legislation that would “prevent the use of taxpayer money to fund the cost of sexual harassment settlements against public officials” as well as a set of policies that would cover all branches of state and local government.

To review the proposed changes, please click here.

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