Imagine a world where discrimination suits matter—where juries’ verdicts aren’t barked at by judges, jobs are protected, and corporations fear a real cost for bias. That’s the promise of Senator Gounardes’ new bill (S.410). Recently passed by the State Senate on June 12, 2025, this game-changing legislation would overhaul how New York courts treat jury awards in employment discrimination cases (nysenate.gov).
🏛️ What’s Broken Now
Currently, even when juries show compassion and common sense, judges have the power to slay verdicts with a stroke of a pen. Under a little-used civil procedure called remittitur, judges regularly cut jury awards simply because they don’t “match precedent”—even if a plaintiff has suffered profoundly (nysenate.gov).
Take Moises Mendez, who won $3 million after proving bias at a major hotel—only to see his award reduced to a measly $10,000 (nysenate.gov). Or Aubrey Chisolm, who was awarded $1 million for racial discrimination at Memorial Sloan‑Kettering, which was tragically reduced to just $50,000 (nysenate.gov). These are not anomalies—they’re symptoms of a system gone awry.
⚖️ How This Bill Fixes It
- Upholds jury integrity: Courts could only adjust verdicts if there’s apparent prejudice or corruption, not just because the number seems big.
- Case-by-case justice: Rejects arbitrary “garden‑variety” classifications and outdated precedent as shortcut reasoning (nysenate.gov).
- Restores remedial purpose: Ensures that damages reflect real harm, not just courtroom semantics (nysenate.gov).
Why Employees Should Welcome It
1. Restored Leverage
With bona fide damages on the table, defendants will think twice before sliding into discriminatory behavior. No more calculating. “Oh, we’ll just fight it—and the judge will chop it down.”
2. Real Compensation, Real Confidence
Clients will trust the legal process again, knowing that their suffering is acknowledged and that justice will not be compromised at the eleventh hour.
3. Strong Deterrence
When money reflects real-world harm, employers are more likely to invest in bias training, policy improvements, and proactive compliance.
4. Alignment with Stronger Allies
New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania—and even federal standards—already treat jury verdicts with greater respect. It’s high time New York caught up (nysenate.gov).
🎯 What This Means for You
- Plaintiffs: A level playing field with enhanced financial recovery and emotional validation.
- Attorneys: Renewed confidence in jury verdicts, power to consult on honest risk assessments, and stronger settlement positions.
- Communities: A culture shift within workplaces, as bias costs more than it used to—and corporate America takes notice.
📝 A Call to Legal Action
As an attorney who exclusively represents employees, we shouldn’t settle—pun intended.
This bill heralds an era of accountability. It means no more hollow punitive gestures, no more half-measures. If you’ve ever struggled with a judge’s decision to slash a fair award, this isn’t just legislative jargon—it’s reform. It’s our opportunity. Our moment.
📣 Contact your representatives. Support S.410.
Let’s build a New York where discrimination truly carries consequences—and justice means more than a number on a docket.
Final Takeaway
Senator Gounardes’ S.410 is a clarion call for fairness. By elevating jury verdicts, it empowers individuals, restores public trust in the justice system, and holds those responsible for discrimination accountable for the costs they should incur. It’s not just a bill—it’s a cornerstone for a more equitable workplace in New York City.
For anyone who has been a target of workplace discrimination in New York, working with a qualified and knowledgeable attorney is often the best course of action for effectively addressing these issues. At Risman & Risman, we provide expert legal assistance to individuals facing workplace discrimination. Our team can provide you with specialized legal services tailored to your specific needs. Call us today at 212-233-6400 to schedule a free initial consultation with our team.
Sources
Senate press release: bill provisions & purpose (nysenate.gov)