Plaintiffs’ attorneys working on sexual harassment cases this week praised the package of sexual harassment-related legislation proposed in the New York State Senate, saying the extension of the statute of limitations for workplace harassment and discrimination claims will have a particularly strong impact on their clients if the bills become law.

Along with extending the statute of limitations from three years to six, the legislative package includes bills that would ban “no rehire” clauses in settlement agreements, close a loophole to cover the personal staff of elected officials and judges under New York’s Human Rights Law, prohibit the retaliatory release of personnel records and establish a workplace sexual harassment hotline.