BILL NUMBER: S4197
SPONSOR: GOUNARDES
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public officers law, in relation to expanding the
ethical duties of public officers and employees
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To expand the ethical duties required under Public Officers Law to
prohibit acts of harassment and discrimination.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends section 74 of the Public Officers Law (POL) by adding a
new subdivision to expand the ethical duties of those individuals
subject to POL to prohibit acts of harassment or discrimination, and
requires those in supervisory positions to take action against acts of
discrimination and harassment.
Section 2 sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Albany's reputation of discrimination and harassment illustrates how
inadequate our systems are in preventing and responding to misconduct.
This legislation amends the Public Officers Law to make clear that acts
of discrimination and harassment are a violation. Further, it requires
covered individuals who work in supervisory capacities to take appropri-
ate action in response to these violations. This will empower the
Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government to hold public officers
accountable for sexual harassment and other workplace discrimination.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: S7137A - Referred to Ethics and Internal Governance
2023: S7137 - Referred to Ethics and Internal Governance
2022: S8412 - Died in Rules
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become a law.

Statutes affected:
S4197: 74 public officers law