Governor Hochul Signs Immunity Bill Into Law – A Landmark Win for DSW and New Yorkers

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed A1029-B/S3967-B into law, enacting groundbreaking immunity protections for survivors of trafficking and sex workers in New York. This historic victory, championed by Decriminalize Sex Work (DSW) and coalition partners, ensures that people can report crimes, seek help, and access medical care without fear of arrest or prosecution for prostitution-related offenses.

DSW worked closely with legislators, survivor advocates, and other stakeholders including law enforcement to push this legislation forward. After years of education, advocacy, and coalition-building, the measure passed both chambers of the New York State Legislature with unanimous bipartisan support before being signed into law by the governor. This new law removes a long-standing barrier to safety, encouraging people to come forward when they are victims of or witnesses to violence, coercion, or exploitation.

For too long, fear of arrest has kept survivors and sex workers from reporting abuse or seeking medical attention. The newly signed law creates legal protections that allow individuals to reach out for help in good faith, without risking prosecution for prostitution-related charges. Modeled in part after New York’s Good Samaritan law, the legislation represents a major step toward a more humane, evidence-based approach to public safety.

DSW applauds Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature for recognizing that safety and justice depend on trust and access to support, instead of fear of punishment. This achievement reinforces DSW’s mission to replace policies that criminalize and endanger people with those that protect health, dignity, and human rights.

DSW will continue working with partners across the state to ensure effective implementation and to build on this momentum toward comprehensive decriminalization and safety for all New Yorkers. To learn more about immunity legislation, click here.