NY S02491

Prohibits using peremptory challenges to remove prospective jurors based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, religious practice, age, disability, or sexual orientation

Allows any party to object to a peremptory challenge believed to be made on an unlawful discriminatory basis, with discussions held outside the presence of the jury panel

Requires the party exercising a challenged peremptory to state their reasons to the court, which must evaluate the justification based only on reasons actually given

Establishes that if a reasonable person would view a protected characteristic as a factor in the challenge, the objection must be sustained without requiring proof of purposeful discrimination

Takes effect 180 days after becoming law and applies to all jury selections commenced on or after that date