Local Civil Rights Restoration Act of 2005

NYC Human Rights Law

The Local Civil Rights Restoration Act (Local Law 85 of 2005) was passed to protect the vigor and independence of the City’s Human Rights Law against the attacks of an increasingly conservative state and federal judiciary. The bill — known as “Intro 22” as it wended its way through the Council — simultaneously sent a strong message about the City’s commitment to the preservation of civil rights and took practical and concrete steps to improve the efficacy of civil rights enforcement.

Legislative history of Local Civil Rights Restoration Act of 2005:

Full Text of the Restoration Act
Also available at 2005 New York City Legislative Annual 528-535.
Committee Report
“Intro 22,” the bill that became the Restoration Act, was approved by the City Council’s Committee on General Welfare, which then sent the bill to the full Council accompanied by a Committee Report, dated August 17, 2005. Also available at 2005 New York City Legislative Annual 536-39.
Anti-Discrimination Center Testimony
During the Council Meeting at which the Restoration Act was passed, this testimony was cited as “an excellent guide to the intent and consequences of legislation we pass today.” [See Statement of Council Member Palma, below.]
Brennan Center Statement
The July 8, 2005 statement from the Brennan Center for Justice, analyzing and urging support for the Restoration Act. [This statement was also cited on the floor of the Council as important to the Committee on General Welfare; see Statement of Council Member Palma, below.]
New York Bar Association Letter
The August 1, 2005 letter from what was then known as the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, urging support for the Restoration Act. This letter was also cited on the floor of the Council as important to the Committee on General Welfare; see Statement of Council Member Palma, below.]
Statement of Council Member Annabel Palma
Council Member Palma, a member of the Committee on General Welfare, brought the attention of her colleagues to the intent and consequences of the legislation during the September 15, 2005 meeting at which the Restoration was considered and passed by the full Council.
Council Member Brewer's Statement Marking Enactment of Restoration Act
Council Member Palma, a member of the Committee on General Welfare, brought the attention of her colleagues to the intent and consequences of the legislation during the September 15, 2005 meeting at which the Restoration was considered and passed by the full Council.