State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky’s bill requiring individuals convicted of hate crimes to undergo mandatory counseling in hate crime education and prevention was signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday, Nov. 22.
The legislation (S.6570/A.1202), which is also sponsored by Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright (D-Manhattan), aims to target the basis of hate crimes amid a state and nationwide surge in hate-related attacks. Under this new legislation, these counseling sessions must be authorized by the court or local agencies in cooperation with organizations serving the affected community. The bill will take effect in 30 days.
