New York State Expands Protections for Survivors of Domestic Violence

An initiative of the New York City Bar Association, the City Bar Fund relies on legal volunteers in expanding access to justice among those who are underserved in the city, including those who are homeless and victims of domestic violence. In the latter sphere, the New York State Senate voted in 2023 to expand protections for domestic and sexual violence survivors receive.

Among the measures of the legislative package is one that ensures that housing authorities prioritize domestic abuse survivors, on an equal level, with those who are low-income and of minority groups. At the same time, victim access to reimbursement and compensation has been expanded through a refined definition of the term “welfare.”

Also passed in 2023, the New York State Phoenix Act extends to a decade the statute of limitations when it comes to felony family offenses. For misdemeanor family offenses, the time frame has been extended to five years. The district attorney, or court, now has an obligation to inform victims of their expanded rights, during sentencing or as early as possible.

Significant Environmental Laws Enacted in New York State

A key focus of the New York City Bar Association is on continuing education. To that end, the organization presented an event titled New York Environmental Law Year in Review 2023. Among the noteworthy laws passed in 2023, as part of fiscal year 2024 budget legislation, were those that further the state’s shift to a less carbon-intensive economy.

Some laws focus on New York Power Authority (NYPA), mandating that it pursue renewable energy-generating projects. Many of these will serve to phase out power electricity production from smaller natural gas power plants in NYC, Suffolk County, and Staten Island by 2030. The NYPA will also need to create decarbonization action plans for the 15 highest-emitting facilities operated by the state.

Another emphasis is on changes to the state’s energy conservation construction code. Starting on the last calendar date in 2025, fossil fuel-operated building systems and equipment will no longer be installable in new buildings up to seven stories highs. With certain exceptions, this will effectively prohibit the use of natural gas stoves and furnaces in such buildings.

The FY 2024 budget will also launch a Climate Action Fund, as mandated by 2019’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). A cap-and-invest program will potentially be part of the program, and 30 percent of funds will go to a Consumer Climate Action Account that mitigates inflationary effects on consumer goods and services. A total of 3 percent will be allocated toward an Industrial Small Business Climate Action Account that reduces expenses for qualifying companies, while the remainder will be funneled into a Climate Investment Account for funding the lower-carbon energy transition.

Areas of Focus for the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice

The Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice is a philanthropic extension of the New York City Bar Association. The center has collaborated with numerous social justice organizations and law firms around the world to provide pro-bono legal services and advocate for diversity in the legal profession. Pro-bono services are offered to nongovernment organizations in three key areas.

The Vance Center Environment Program strives to preserve natural resources around the world. While the center is a strong advocate for a sustainable environment and climate change initiatives, the legal team is passionate about the many human rights issues connected to environmental challenges. One of the latest Environment Program projects has involved supporting the United Nations with the development of international legislation that would protect every citizen’s right to a healthy environment.

The organization’s Human Rights and Access to Justice Program, meanwhile, addresses issues of violence, discrimination, and corruption, while at the same time supporting global human rights organizations dealing with or facing similar challenges. Last, the Vance Center Good Governance Program promotes the importance of a transparent government. Areas of focus include the protection of independent journalism.

More information about the Cyrus R. Vance Center and other NYC Bar pro bono services can be found online at vancecenter.org.