S 491 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to including the basis of religious attire and facial hair in the definition of unlawful discriminatory practice

Senate Bill S 491 expands the definition of unlawful discriminatory practice in public accommodations. It specifically includes the wearing of religious attire, clothing, or facial hair in accordance with a person's religion under the protected characteristic of "creed." This means that owners, managers, or employees of public places cannot refuse services or deny accommodations to individuals based on these religious practices.
Bill status died 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Jan 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
Assembly Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 8, 2025 Last action Jan 7, 2026
Floor votes · Senate Apr 24, 2025

How they voted

510
Passed · 11 other
Total votes 62
Apr 24, 2025
D Democratic40
35 Yea 5
87% Yea
R Republican22
16 Yea 6
72% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
10
Key actions
1
Committee
3
Jan 7, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
upper
Apr 24, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
lower
Apr 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
PASSED SENATE
upper
Jan 8, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
upper
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors