Senator Michael Nozzolio today announced that all eight bills from the Senate’s comprehensive Women’s Equality Agenda have now been signed into law by the Governor. These measures were a top priority for the Senator and were passed in the Senate earlier this year on the first day the Senate could vote on legislation. 

The new laws will enhance the rights of women and protect those who are most vulnerable to abuse and discrimination by: preventing human trafficking; ensuring equal pay for equal work; combating sexual harassment in the workplace; ending discrimination in employment, housing and credit decisions; making reasonable work accommodations available for pregnant women; and providing stronger protections for domestic violence victims.

“As a lifelong resident and the State Senator representing Seneca Falls, our Nation’s birthplace of Women’s Rights, I am pleased the Senate’s legislation is now law in New York which will further protect women’s safety and remove barriers and loopholes that discriminate against women,” said Senator Nozzolio.

Highlights of the legislative package include:

• Strengthening New York State law to prohibit employers from paying women less than men who perform the same work;
• Protecting all employees from sexual harassment in the workplace regardless of the size of the business;
• Making it easier to bring bona fide employment and credit discrimination cases; 
• Prohibiting employment discrimination based on family status;
• Prohibiting landlords from discriminating against victims of domestic violence;
• Creating a pilot program to allow domestic violence victims to seek temporary orders of protection through electronic means rather than having to appear in person;
• Strengthening existing New York State law to combat human trafficking; and
• Requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees.

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