State Expected to Produce Model Policy and Training Program

A new law requires employers in New York to adopt a sexual harassment policy and training program that meet certain standards. Details of the new requirements are presented below.

Model Policy
The state is expected to create and publish a model sexual harassment prevention guidance document and sexual harassment prevention policy. A basic outline of the model policy is available by clicking here (§ 201-g(1)(a)).

Every employer must adopt the model sexual harassment prevention policy or establish a policy that equals or exceeds the minimum standards provided by the state’s policy. The policy must be provided to all employees in writing.

Training Program
The state is also expected to produce a model sexual harassment prevention training program. The program will be interactive and will contain certain required content (§ 201-g(2)).

Every employer must utilize the state’s model sexual harassment prevention training program orestablish a training program that equals or exceeds the minimum standards provided by the state’s model training. The training must be provided annually to all employees.

These new requirements take effect October 9, 2018. The law also contains provisions on sexual harassment relating to non-employees (e.g., contractors). Click here (Subparts E and F) to read the law.