March 1, 2019, New York, NY

The Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York’s (“WBASNY”) is proud to announce that barely two months into the new legislative session so many of the issues included in WBASNY’s current legislative priorities have either been enacted into law or are moving through the legislative process. WBASNY President Greta Kolcon, Esq., applauded the Governor and the New York State Legislature on taking swift action to pass legislation that will significantly impact women and children in New York. Ms. Kolcon stated, “On behalf of WBASNY’s more than 4,200 attorneys and judges in private practice, government, academia and the Courts, we thank Governor Cuomo and the Legislature for their efforts to enact laws that will make life better for all women and children.”

WBASNY advocates for the equal and fair treatment of all women and is dedicated to the advancement of the interests of women and children. WBASNY supports legislation, such as the bills listed below, that reflect our common goal to improve, promote and protect women in the workplace and in society.

Legislation supported by WBASNY that has been recently passed by the New York State Legislature:

• Reproductive Health Act (“RHA”)
– This bill was signed into law in January 2019.
– It codifies into state law the U.S. Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, which
ensures the full rights of women to make personal health care decisions.
– WBASNY has supported this bill for many years.

• Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (“GENDA”)
– This bill was signed into law in January 2019.
– This bill prohibits discrimination based on gender identity or expression and bans
conversion therapy. It also adds transgender New Yorkers to those protected by
the state’s Hate Crimes law.
– WBASNY has supported this bill for many years.

• Child Victims Act
– This bill was signed into law in February 2019.
– This bill provides for the timeliness of commencing criminal and civil action for
sexual offenses committed against children.
– WBASNY supports certain sections of the bill: extending the statute of limitations
for civil lawsuits for sexually related offenses to 50 years from the date of the
offense, eliminating notice of claim for child sexual assault cases, and reviving
previously time-barred claims for a period of one year.

• Comprehensive Contraceptive Coverage Act
– This bill has been passed in both houses and is awaiting delivery to the Governor.
– It codifies into state law access to contraception.

• New York State DREAM Act
– This bill has been passed in both houses and is awaiting delivery to the Governor.
– It ensures that New York children will have the same access to state loans and
grants, regardless of their legal status as American citizens.
– WBASNY has supported this bill for many years.

• A.271 Equal Rights Amendment
– This bill was passed in the Assembly.
– WBASNY strongly supports this bill, which goes to the very core of our
organization’s mission.