New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07034

Introduced
3/28/25  
Refer
3/28/25  

Caption

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.

Companion Bills

NY A02139

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.

Previously Filed As

NY A02139

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.

NY H1763

Relative to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism

NY SR635

International Holocaust Remembrance Day; honoring

NY LD1351

An Act to Require Antisemitism to Be Considered as Motivation When Determining a Violation of a Criminal or Civil Law

NY H5879

Provides a definition for antisemitism to be used by state agencies to evaluate whether discrimination is present.

NY SR36

International Holocaust Remembrance Day; recognize January 27, 2025

NY A09253

Requires policing agencies to conduct an inventory of, and develop a publicly-available policy for, any artificial intelligence used to aid criminal investigations.

NY SR15

Recognizing January 27, 2025, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

NY HCR6

Recognizing January 27th, 2025 As International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

NY HR116

Commemorating January 27, 2025, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Similar Bills

TX SB326

Relating to the procedure for determining whether a student's violation of a public school's or public institution of higher education's student code of conduct was motivated by antisemitism.

NJ AJR23

Establishes working definition of antisemitism in NJ.

NJ A617

Establishes State definition of antisemitism.

NJ S825

"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.

NJ A2539

"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.

NJ S835

Permits Secretary of Higher Education to appoint antisemitism monitor to any institution of higher education; requires institution to implement recommendations of antisemitism monitor.

NJ A622

Permits Secretary of Higher Education to appoint antisemitism monitor to any institution of higher education; requires institution to implement recommendations of antisemitism monitor.

NJ S589

Prohibits institution of higher education from authorizing, funding, or supporting hate speech or antisemitic events and organizations.