Governor Signs Package of Domestic Violence Prevention Bills

August 12th, 2019

Governor Cuomo signed three pieces of legislation which aim to expand protections for victims of domestic violence. The following bills were signed into law this week:

(S.2625/ A.5608) – This bill makes a conforming change to the Social Services Law by expanding the definition “victim of domestic violence” to include anyone that is a victim of identity theft, grand larceny or coercion as a form of economic abuse. The family offense laws were previously expanded to include such forms of economic abuse, but, the Social Services Law was inadvertently not amended at that time. This conforming change takes effect immediately.

(S.3232-A/A.219) – Victims of domestic violence currently have the option to vote in person by special ballot at the County Board of Elections where they are registered during the week prior to any election, rather than voting at their polling place on Election Day. This bill will authorize those special ballots to be mailed to the Board of Elections in the same manner as any absentee ballot. This bill will take effect immediately.

(S.1243/A.4467A) – This bill will allow a victim of domestic violence to report an instance of domestic violence to any local law enforcement agency in the state, who will then forward the police report to the proper jurisdiction for further investigation. This bill is designed to allow domestic violence victims, who often flee to stay with a relatives in other police jurisdictions, to report an incident without having to return to the jurisdiction where the incident took place. This bill will take effect on October 7, 2019.

Governor Cuomo said:

“Domestic violence is a quiet scourge that has the potential to leave lasting trauma on victims. By signing these measures into law, we will broaden the legal definition of domestic violence so more abusers are held accountable as well as empower victims to get help faster and provide them a measure of protection from their abuser when they vote.”

Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul said:

“My mother dedicated her life to helping survivors of domestic violence, and her work has inspired me during my time in public service. This legislation will protect individuals from abuse and violence, and ensure survivors are able to seek justice. As part of our Women’s Justice Agenda, our state is leading the way to protect all New Yorkers, advance full equality, and strengthen our society.”