NY S02497

Creates a new hearsay exception in civil discrimination cases allowing evidence that a party reported discrimination to another person, including the contents of that report, to be admitted at trial

Covers all unlawful discriminatory practices under New York's Human Rights Law, including discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, disability, marital status, and familial status

Requires that the report or statement must have been made before the last adverse action occurred, or promptly after, with promptness determined by circumstances including the sensitivity of the subject matter and mental state of the person alleging discrimination

Places the burden on the party offering the evidence to demonstrate the report was made under circumstances that make it reasonably reliable

Applies only to civil matters and explicitly excludes criminal proceedings, taking effect immediately for all actions filed after the effective date