![Senator Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/2021sandersbio.jpg?itok=FLrorZAv)
State Legislature Passes Senator James Sanders Jr.'s Bill on Domestic Violence
March 17, 2021
The New York State Senate yesterday unanimously passed a bill (S.1789) introduced by State Senator James Sanders Jr. to provide more protection for victims of domestic violence. Under current law, communications between rape victims and counselors are privileged and cannot be disclosed in Court except under certain circumstances. Senator Sanders' bill would extend those same privileges to victims of domestic violence. Currently 27 states have passed laws to extend these privileges to victims of domestic violence. The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence has designated Senator Sanders' bill as a priority bill this legislative session.
Share this Article or Press Release
Newsroom
Go to Newsroom![](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/sanders_sd10_budget_photo_0.jpg?itok=z60gIQA8)
![Senator Sanders honored women in the leadership at the event by presenting them with a proclamation recognizing their good work. They were (from left) Merlene Smith-Sotillo, President & CEO of Sickle Cell Awareness Foundation Corp Int'l, First Lady Martha Harley-Lewis of Zion Gospel Church, April Jones, Founder & Executive Director of House-A-Soldier, Inc. and Dr. Deborah Hoyle, Director of Ocean Bay Community Cornerstone (The Child Center of New York).](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/sanders_sd10_womens_leadership_luncheon.jpg?itok=fuOCHX_p)
![Senator James Sanders Jr. supports the decriminalization, but not the legalization, of marijuana in New York State. He was joined by guest speaker Kevin Sabet, President and CEO, of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM)](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/sanders_sd10_marijuana_clergy_breakfast.jpg?itok=XFwkcWiP)