Relates to the imposition of penalties and remedies in suits brought for the vindication of civil rights or human rights

This New York bill strengthens civil rights enforcement by allowing individuals to sue when state actors deny their rights under state law. It requires courts to award reasonable attorney fees to winning plaintiffs (except in cases against judges acting in their judicial role) and directs courts to apply both state law and common law where remedies are lacking. The law supplements existing civil rights protections and references similar federal civil rights laws for interpretation.