Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, says that new women’s equality laws have taken effect as of Jan. 19, including legislation she authored to ensure greater protections for women in the workplace.

The other new laws bolster the state’s anti-human trafficking measures, strengthen protections against workplace sexual harassment, support survivors of domestic violence and ensure that women are paid equal to men who do comparable work, said a statement from Russell, whose district includes St. Lawrence River shore townships plus Ogdensburg, Potsdam and Canton.

“These new laws help break down the barriers that hinder women in their quest for economic success and fight other crimes that disproportionately affect women,” Russell said. “Today, New York is a step closer to full equality for women once again proving our state is a leader on women’s rights issues.”

The legislative package contains several workplace protections, including a measure that allows women to file sexual harassment complaints with the state regardless of the size of the company they work for. Along with protecting women from familial status discrimination, the legislation also requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees.

A law prohibiting employers from paying women less than men for performing comparable work is also now in effect and protects women against retaliation from their employers when they share wage information with fellow employees to find out if they are being paid fairly.

The state will also improve its response to human trafficking by better training law enforcement, strengthening protections for victims and increasing penalties for perpetrators, Russell said. Victims of domestic violence are protected from housing discrimination, and women can recover their attorney fees in cases of employment or credit discrimination.

“These new laws give women across the state peace of mind knowing that when a landlord, employer or creditor violates their rights, that person or entity will be held accountable,” Russell said.