Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Protect Victims of Hate Crimes from Being Mistreated by Insurance Companies

 Legislation (S.7658-B/A.8869-B) Protects Individuals From Having Their Insurance Policy Cancelled or Having Rates Raised on The Basis of A Claimant Having Been Victim of A Hate Crime

 Governor Hochul today signed legislation (S.7658-B/A.8869-B) that protects victims of hate crimes from being mistreated by insurance companies. The new law prohibits insurers from canceling insurance, raising premiums, refusing to issue a policy or refusing to renew a policy solely on the basis that one or more claims have been made for a loss that is a result of a hate crime. This new law will apply to individuals, religious organizations, or nonprofits organized and operated for religious, charitable or educational purposes.

"New York stands strong against acts of hate wherever they occur, and we will continue to hold perpetrators of these horrific crimes accountable," Governor Hochul said. "If an individual is targeted for a hate crime, the last thing they should worry about is losing their insurance, and with this legislation we are taking action to protect victims and ensure every New Yorker is treated with dignity and respect."

Legislation (S.7658-B/A.8869-B) adds a new section to the insurance law prohibiting an insurer issuing policies in New York from cancelling, raising the premium, refusing to issue or refusing to renew a policy solely on the basis that one or more claims have been made against the policy during the preceding five years for a loss that is the result of a hate crime committed against the person or property insured, if the insured provides evidence to the insurer that the act causing such a loss is a hate crime. It also ensures perpetrators of hate crimes cannot use the legislation to protect themselves from rate increases or cancellations as a result of the crime they themselves committed.

Since taking office, Governor Hochul has taken robust action to combat hateful violence and all forms of hate crimes. In November, Governor Hochul signed legislation requiring individuals convicted of hate crimes to undergo mandatory training or counseling, as well as establish a statewide campaign for the acceptance, inclusion, tolerance, and understanding of diversity, including, but not limited to diversity based on religion, race, color, creed, sex, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. The Governor also announced $50 million to strengthen safety and security measures at nonprofit, community-based organizations at risk of hate crimes, in addition to $46 million in federal funding to 240 nonprofit organizations across the state facing an increased risk of terrorist attack. This builds on last year's $43 million in grants awarded to 362 nonprofit organizations to help boost security infrastructure and enhance preparedness against potential hate crime attacks. In addition, the Governor's FY2023 Enacted Budget expands arrest and bail eligibility for hate crimes, making all hate crimes arrest-eligible if the individual is eighteen or older.