Requires state agencies and courts to take into consideration the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition and contemporary examples of antisemitism when reviewing, investigating, or deciding whether there has been a violation of any non-criminal or criminal law, rule, or policy prohibiting discriminatory acts.
Impact
If enacted, S07034 will have significant implications for civil rights legislation in New York. By formalizing the IHRA definition of antisemitism within state law, the bill aims to provide clearer guidelines for state agencies when assessing whether incidents could be motivated by antisemitic intent. This legislation is expected to bolster protections for those facing discrimination based on their Jewish identity, potentially influencing how discrimination claims are handled and adjudicated at the state level.
Summary
Bill S07034, also known as the 'Honoring Our Pledge to Eliminate Antisemitism (HOPE) Act', aims to amend New York's civil rights law to incorporate the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. The bill seeks to ensure that individuals of Jewish faith, heritage, or identity are fully protected from any form of discrimination. It establishes that state agencies and courts must consider this definition when investigating or adjudicating claims of discriminatory acts, thereby enhancing the legal framework against antisemitism in New York State.
Contention
However, the bill is not without controversy. Some advocates worry that by enshrining the IHRA definition into law, there could be unintended consequences for free speech and expression, particularly concerning criticism of Israel, which some argue may be conflated with antisemitism. The tension between protecting the Jewish community from hate and ensuring freedom of expression is a central point of contention in discussions surrounding S07034. Lawmakers and community leaders may need to navigate these sensitive issues carefully as the legislation progresses.
Same As
Requires state agencies and courts to take into consideration the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition and contemporary examples of antisemitism when reviewing, investigating, or deciding whether there has been a violation of any non-criminal or criminal law, rule, or policy prohibiting discriminatory acts.
Criminalizes the harassment of a child when the perpetrator intentionally or knowingly harasses, annoys or alarms a child or a child's parent or guardian; establishes a private right of action for harassment of a child.
Criminalizes the harassment of a child when the perpetrator intentionally or knowingly harasses, annoys or alarms a child or a child's parent or guardian; establishes a private right of action for harassment of a child.
Requires the office of special investigation to conclude investigations into alleged criminal offenses committed by police officers resulting in a death and issue a report within sixty days.
Requires the office of special investigation to conclude investigations into alleged criminal offenses committed by police officers resulting in a death and issue a report within sixty days.
Permits the court to withhold names, contact information, and statements of any victim or eyewitness from discovery where the defendant is associated with a criminal street gang or the offense is connected to a criminal street gang or criminal enterprise activity.
Enhances criminal investigations and prosecutions in relation to the integrity of statements of those accused of crimes and to promote confidence in the criminal justice system.
Enhances criminal investigations and prosecutions in relation to the integrity of statements of those accused of crimes and to promote confidence in the criminal justice system.
Requires certain evidence or samples for DNA analysis to be accepted by the New York state police forensic investigation center from any firearm, rifle, shotgun, ammunition or magazine loading device when the sole charge is criminal possession of a weapon in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree and criminal possession of a firearm.
"Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act"; prohibits distribution of State aid to an institution of higher education that authorizes, funds, or supports antisemitic events or organizations or fails to punish acts of antisemitism on campus.
"Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act"; prohibits distribution of State aid to an institution of higher education that authorizes, funds, or supports antisemitic events or organizations or fails to punish acts of antisemitism on campus.
Permits Secretary of Higher Education to appoint antisemitism monitor to any institution of higher education; requires institution to implement recommendations of antisemitism monitor.