New York State Hotline for Sexual Harassment in the Workplace to Go Live This Week

On July 14, 2022, an amendment to the New York Human Rights Law, N.Y. Exec. Law § 295(18) (the “Amendment”) will go into effect which will create a statewide toll free confidential hotline for workplace sexual harassment complaints.

The hotline will be set up and operated by the New York State Division of Human Rights (the “Division”) and the purpose of the hotline will be to provide assistance to folks who have complaints about sexual harassment in the workplace. On the other end of the line will be attorneys working for organizations such as the New York State Bar Association who will be providing pro bono counsel to callers (however, the attorneys taking calls will not be permitted to solicit further representation in connection with any harassment complaints).

As mandated by the Amendment, the Division will ensure dissemination of the hotline among the public, and will work in tandem with the New York State Department of Labor (the “DOL”) to updated materials that employers must post or provide to their employees concerning sexual harassment. Employers should therefore expect to make updates not only to posting materials in the workplace, but also to their anti-harassment policy.

The Division has not issued any additional guidance yet, and the actual phone number of the hotline has not yet been released. However, we will continue to monitor the status of the hotline and any requirements for employers. In the meantime, if you have any questions, or want an individualized review of your situation in regards to your company’s internal policies and practices, please contact Mattiace Tetro LLC.