(WNY News Now) – New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed three bills aimed at protecting survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and nonconsensual sharing of intimate images, expanding privacy safeguards and strengthening accountability for lodging facilities.

ALBANY, N.Y. — Three new laws signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul are designed to help survivors of violence and exploitation protect their personal information, access support services and maintain their safety.

The legislation addresses home address confidentiality, human trafficking awareness at hotels and motels, and advance notification for domestic violence survivors whose confidential voter registration protections are nearing expiration.

New Law Protects Home Addresses

The first measure, S.5041/A.6338, expands eligibility for New York’s Address Confidentiality Program to people whose intimate photographs or videos have been shared without their consent.

The program allows eligible participants who have moved to use a substitute mailing address to help keep their actual home address private. The expanded protections are intended to reduce the risk of further harassment, abuse or unwanted exposure.

Hotels and Motels Face Penalties

The second measure, S.9341A/A.8939A, establishes civil penalties for hotels, motels and other lodging facilities that fail to display required information about services available to human trafficking victims.

State law already requires lodging facilities to post information about available assistance. The new legislation strengthens enforcement by creating penalties for establishments that do not comply.

Supporters say making assistance information accessible can help trafficking survivors identify resources and seek help.

Voter Registration Privacy Notices Required

The third measure, S.9671A/A.10960A, requires the New York State Board of Elections to notify domestic violence survivors at least six months before their confidential voter registration protections expire.

Eligible survivors can request that their voter registration information remain confidential for four years to help prevent abusers from locating them through public records.

The new law requires the board to mail advance notice that includes instructions for renewing the protections, helping survivors avoid an unexpected lapse in confidentiality.

Support Services Available

Hochul said the measures are intended to strengthen protections and support survivors as they work to rebuild their lives.

New Yorkers seeking assistance can use the state Office of Victim Services’ online resource, OVS Connect, to locate victim assistance programs.

The New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-942-6906. Help is also available by text at 844-997-2121 or through the state’s domestic and sexual violence services website.