BILL NUMBER: S7514
SPONSOR: CLEARE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to requiring the
Olympic regional development authority, in consultation with the depart-
ment of environmental conservation and division of human rights to
develop an anti-bias and inclusion training program
 
PURPOSE:
To reduce bias incidents of bias in the Adirondack Park region in the
recreation and tourism sectors by providing regular anti-bias and inclu-
sion training.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the public authorities law to require the Olympic
Regional Development Authority to provide anti-bias training for its own
employees, as well as public-facing employees of the Department of Envi-
ronmental Conservation and private contractors within the boundaries of
the Adirondack Park. The division of Human Rights shall promulgate regu-
lations for the execution of this law.
Section 2 sets an effective date.
 
EXISTING LAW:
None
 
JUSTIFICATION:
In New York State and across the country, there have been a number of
incidents where people of visible minorities have been subjected to
mistreatment, harassment and even arrest as they go about their business
in restaurants, parks, or places of entertainment. The tourism industry
in particular is driven by attracting people from other locations and
cultures, but this sort of mistreatment not only ruins the experiences
of the people involved, but it also discourages others from visiting.
Having a properly trained and culturally sensitive workforce in the
tourism industry is a necessary condition for economic development in
New York State.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2019-20: S.215-8 /A3162-8
2017-18: S.8415/A.11303
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
minimal
 
LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
none
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately