NY A01858

Adds "height" and "weight" as protected classes under New York's Human Rights Law, prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit, and education

Protects individuals from discrimination by employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, real estate brokers, landlords, educational institutions, and creditors based on their body size, shape, proportions, or numerical measurements

Provides exemptions when height or weight requirements are mandated by federal law, reasonable state safety regulations, or amusement industry safety standards

Establishes an affirmative defense for employers and other entities if no reasonable alternative actions could have allowed the person to perform essential job functions or participate in programs

Defines "weight" and "height" broadly to include numerical measurements, body composition ratios, and perceived impressions of being fat/thin or tall/short, regardless of actual measurements

Takes effect 180 days after becoming law