Bills affecting Person of color in New York (2026 session)

Relates to establishing the "340B prescription drug anti-discrimination act"; prohibits pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers from discriminating against covered entities and New York state pharmacies based on participation in the drug discount program authorized by section 340B of the federal public health service act.

Prevents discrimination by insurers based on an individual's mental health or substance use disorder; incorporates into law federal enforcement rules set forth in the federal mental health parity and addiction equity act of 2008.

Amends the definition of "racially polarized voting" for purposes of the John R. Lewis voting rights act of New York; relates to prohibitions on voter disenfranchisement; relates to preclearance by the civil rights bureau of certain policies related to voting; provides that a plaintiff that commences an action under the John R. Lewis voting rights act of New York shall send a copy of the complaint to the civil rights bureau within ten days of the commencement of such action.

Requires hate crime awareness curriculum or instruction for school districts.

Provides that certain communications made without malice regarding an incident of sexual assault, harassment or discrimination shall be deemed privileged; provides that a prevailing defendant in an action brought against such defendant for making a communication that is privileged shall be entitled to attorney's fees and costs for such defense.

Prohibits motor vehicle insurers from discrimination on the basis of socioeconomic factors in determining algorithms used to construct actuarial tables, coverage terms, premiums and/or rates.

Waives the state's sovereign immunity in state and federal courts with regard to liability for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act; waives the immunity of all instrumentalities and political subdivisions of the state.

Relates to discrimination against owners of specific breeds of dogs.

Prohibits discrimination against and harassment or bullying of students by employees or students on private, religious or denominational school property or at a school function; provides immunity from civil liability for a person making a good faith report of discrimination, harassment or bullying to authorities.

Prohibits discrimination on the basis of a person's caste in opportunities of employment, housing, and access to public accommodations.

Provides that the court shall not reduce jury awards as excessive in employment discrimination actions unless the court finds exceptional circumstances which compel the conclusion that the jury was influenced by partiality, prejudice, mistake or corruption.

Expands the criteria for a hate crime to include trespass committed at a house of worship.

Prohibits the discrimination of persons based on their religious attire in recreational water parks, including, but not limited to, beaches, lakes, pools and other water facilities operated on land or water for recreational use.

Creates a residential condominium owner's bill of rights that includes the right to transparency, the right to timely decisions, voting rights, the right to notice, and the right against extraordinary expenses.

Relates to adding veterans to protected classes for unlawful housing discrimination.

Requires the appointment of a Title VI coordinator at every college and university in the state to ensure compliance with Title VI of the federal civil rights act of 1964; requires the division of human rights to develop training for students and employees; requires the Title VI coordinator to notify annually all students and employees of the institution's policies and procedures for reporting discrimination and harassment.

Provides that an employee shall not be required to request reinstatement in order to file a discrimination claim regarding paid family medical leave benefits; permits a private right of action for certain violations as an alternative to a workers' compensation claim; provides for attorneys' fees and costs.

Bars a person who is convicted of a hate crime from attending any SUNY or CUNY institution; provides for the expulsion of a student who is convicted of hate crimes; provides for reinstatement of such student if the conviction is subsequently overturned.

Creates, in addition to the existing sanction of criminal contempt of court, the remedies of labor law civil penalties and employee's right to bring civil action for unlawful discharge, penalty or discrimination on account of the exercise by an employee of a juror's right to be absent from employment by reason of jury service.

Authorizes the denial of access to certain public records which relate to civil investigations; relates to the enforcement powers of the attorney general; authorizes the attorney general to investigate and bring any civil action addressing repeated or persistent discrimination in elementary and secondary schools; requires the compromise of any claim which the state may have for care, maintenance or treatment furnished in hospitals or other such facilities to be made in accordance with parameters established by the office of the attorney general; allows the commissioner of health to waive bills or compromise bills for the maintenance, care and treatment furnished to patients in medical facilities upon the prior approval of the comptroller alone.