![Senator Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/02-10-15_official_hs_omara-hs-040_0.jpg?itok=gJ9N77KJ)
State Senate approves comprehensive legislation to combat sexual harassment in the workplace
March 12, 2018
-
ISSUE:
- Sexual Harassment Laws
![“We hope this legislation delivers the message loud and clear that there is no place for sexual harassment in the workplace," said Senator O'Mara.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/article/main-image/sexualharassment.png?itok=1L0aCKWM)
Albany, N.Y., March 11—The New York State Senate today approved legislation co-sponsored by Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) to enact a comprehensive series of actions to combat sexual harassment in New York’s workplaces.
“We hope this legislation delivers the message loud and clear that there is no place for sexual harassment in the workplace. It won’t be tolerated, victims will have a voice, offenders will be held accountable, and our workplaces will be made safe,” said O’Mara.
The legislation (S7848A) would enact a series of major reforms, including:
> establishing a statutory definition of sexual harassment;
> prohibiting the anonymity of the accused in court-approved settlements and banning mandatory sexual harassment arbitration clauses;
> prohibiting confidentiality agreements unless the victim requests confidentiality;
> expanding protections to independent contractors;
> creating uniform policies for all branches of state and local government; and
> protecting taxpayers from paying for public-sector harassment settlements.
The legislation now goes to the state Assembly.
Read more HERE.
Share this Article or Press Release
Newsroom
Go to Newsroom!["These assignments place my focus squarely at the center of several of the most challenging and critical debates over the future direction of our state," said Senator O'Mara. "These assignments place my focus squarely at the center of several of the most challenging and critical debates over the future direction of our state," said Senator O'Mara.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/article/main-image/session-candid_3.jpeg?itok=HOGk6TVA)
!["We need to make it clear that these illegal sticker stores cannot operate and that there are criminal and civil consequences for any owners who continue to do so,” the lawmakers said. "We need to make it clear that these illegal sticker stores cannot operate and that there are criminal and civil consequences for any owners who continue to do so,” the lawmakers said.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/article/main-image/stickerstores-candid1.jpg?itok=PcL2zwwM)
!["New York State remains one of America’s highest-taxed, least affordable, most debt-ridden and overregulated states, and we’re leading the nation in population loss to top it off. It’s mind-boggling how Governor Hochul and top legislative Democrats can keep boasting about higher and higher state government spending," said Senator O'Mara. New York State remains one of America’s highest-taxed, least affordable, most debt-ridden and overregulated states, and we’re leading the nation in population loss to top it off. It’s mind-boggling how Governor Hochul and top legislative Democrats can keep boasting about higher and higher state government spending.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/article/main-image/affordability-candid_1.jpg?itok=4YK7725o)