New York state Senate chamber New York state Senate chamber. Photo Credit: Westpoint/CC

ALBANY — The Republican-led state Senate on Monday passed legislation aimed at reforming the state's sexual harassment policies.

The legislation, which passed 56-2, would ban mandatory arbitration clauses in sexual harassment settlements; establish a statutory definition of sexual harassment; and prohibit anonymity of the accused in court-approved settlements. The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Cathy Young—the highest-ranking woman in the Republican conference—would also prohibit confidentiality agreements unless the victim requests it; expand the protections to include independent contractors; and create a uniform sexual harassment policy for all branches of state government.

State Sen. Liz Krueger, a Democrat from Manhattan, voted against the bill, arguing that the proposal has “too many holes.” The legislation, which does not have a companion bill in the Democratic-dominated Assembly, is expected to be a main issue for budget negotiations, which is slated to begin in earnest in the coming days. A final fiscal plan for the state is due by April 1.