The societal reckoning surrounding sexual misconduct and abuse has reached the ears of state lawmakers in Albany, and advocates hope changes in the law will lead to a change in culture. 

As the legislative session ended this year, lawmakers and Governor Andrew Cuomo agreed to a package of measures that make it easier to prosecute rape and to move sexual harassment complaints forward. 

Gone is the sexual harassment standard of severe or pervasive — a narrow term that advocates like Rita Pasarell of the Sexual Harassment Working Group says does not cover a wide range of behavior and abuse. The change brings the state up to date with how New York City has defined harassment over the last 10 years.

"In that time, people outside of New York City, the workers outside of New York City, have been deprived of those workplace rights," Pasarell said. "Now we're in line where everyone in the state has these rights they should have had all along."

Pasarell was part of a group of former legislative staffers who are victims and survivors of sexual misconduct and harassment in Albany. They credit newly elected lawmakers for pushing through the new laws. 

"They seem to be very different. They are listening to workers; they are listening to people affected by the laws," Pasarell said.

But just this week, another case arose for state government as Robert Freeman, a longtime open government and records expert, was fired for sexually assaulting a reporter. 

"I'm hoping and, I expect too, that the new law will be changing the types of behaviors we heard of by Bob Freeman, because when the laws change, the culture changes," Pasarell said.

Advocates hope to advance harassment efforts even farther next year. 

"All the protections that apply to sexual harassment should be applied to all forms of discrimination," Pasarell said. "There were some changes that captured those additional protections, but a few pieces were left out."

Cuomo is expected to sign the bills into law in the coming days.