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S 10593

Relates to certain powers of the attorney general

2025 Regular Session Introduced by James Skoufis

Gives the NY AG broad power to sue for damages and remedies for repeated or persistent discrimination or rights violations by governments, schools, or private actors.

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Bill Summary · S 10593

Summary of Bill S 10593 (2025-2026) – New York

Purpose and overall intent

S 10593 seeks to expand, clarify, and strengthen the New York Attorney General’s (AG) authority in civil rights and anti-discrimination enforcement, enhance access to public records related to investigations, and adjust certain procedures around settlements and waivers of state hospital bills. The bill also broadens enforcement against repeated or persistent discriminatory practices and authorizes the AG to pursue damages, injunctive relief, and related remedies in multiple contexts.

Key provisions and changes

  • Public records and investigative confidentiality (Public Officers Law)

    • Amends subparagraphs iii–iv of paragraph (e), subdivision 2, to address protections around confidential sources and investigative techniques, ensuring confidentiality except for routine techniques and procedures. This narrows or clarifies disclosure limits in civil/criminal investigations.

  • Expanded AG enforcement for discriminatory practices (Executive Law)

    • Adds new subdivision 11 to Section 297:
    • The AG may bring a civil action for damages, injunctive relief, and other appropriate remedies when an unlawful discriminatory practice is repeated or persistent.
    • The AG may take proof, issue subpoenas, and administer oaths during investigations for potential action.
    • Defines “repeated” as a separate and distinct discriminatory act or conduct affecting more than one person; “persistent” as ongoing conduct.
    • Preserves other rights/remedies available under law.

  • Civil rights enforcement against repeated/persistent violations by political subdivisions or private actors (Civil Rights Law)

    • Adds new subdivision 3 to Section 40-c:
    • The AG may sue for damages, injunctive relief, and other remedies for repeated or persistent violations by political subdivisions or private actors.
    • AG can take proof, issue subpoenas, and administer oaths in investigations.
    • Defines “repeated” and “persistent” similarly to above.
    • Does not limit other available remedies.

  • Pattern or practice protections for state agencies (Executive Law – new §75(6))

    • Prohibits covered agencies or their agents from engaging in a pattern or practice depriving individuals of rights under state or federal law.
    • Grants the AG authority to pursue civil action to eliminate such patterns, with venue in New York County or Albany County.
    • Preserves other rights/remedies.

  • Education law – oversight of repeated/persistent discrimination (new §2-e)

    • Empowers the AG to investigate and bring civil actions or proceedings against covered entities (public elementary/secondary schools, districts, charter schools) for repeated or persistent discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, disability, gender identity/expression, sex, immigration status, and related categories.
    • Testimony by school employees in enforcement matters is not admissible in employee disciplinary proceedings.
    • Allows the AG to accept assurances that discriminatory acts have ceased, with such assurances constituting prima facie proof if violated later.
    • Provides six-year window to commence actions; clarifies that other rights and remedies under applicable laws remain available.

  • Education and public health financing adjustments (state university and health facilities)

    • Education Law §355(10) clarifies that state university trustees may authorize compromises of claims for care in medical centers, subject to parameters set by the AG (previously required AG approval).
    • Public Health Law §2602(3) and §406(3) modify waiver/compromise authority for hospital bills, now requiring Comptroller approval, with AG consent only if deemed in the state’s best interest.

Affected entities and individuals

  • State and local government entities, including political subdivisions and public schools (K-12, charter schools).
  • Private entities implicated in civil rights enforcement under state law.
  • State university medical centers and hospital facilities.
  • State agencies involved in health care billing and claim settlements.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Enables expedited or broader AG enforcement for repeated/persistent discrimination and patterns of rights violations.
  • Six-year statute of limitations for education-enforcement actions under new §2-e.
  • Venue for pattern-of-practice actions under §75(6) is limited to New York or Albany counties.
  • Several provisions adjust which state officials (AG, Comptroller) must approve waivers or compromises, potentially affecting timelines for settlements.

Effective date

  • Act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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