Kelles Named to Assembly Working Group Examining New York Sexual Assault Laws

Assemblymember Anna Kelles has been named to a New York State Assembly working group created to examine issues and perspectives surrounding the state’s sexual assault statutes, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced Wednesday.

The working group was formed in response to recent allegations involving Cornell University and is charged with examining whether changes to New York’s laws may be warranted.

“The allegations being reported out of Cornell University are truly horrifying. We want to do everything we can to ensure victims of sexual assault see justice served,” Heastie said in announcing the group. “This working group includes a broad cross-section of experience and viewpoints, and I am confident they will thoughtfully consider how best to move forward so that New York’s laws are as strong as possible.”

According to Heastie’s office, the group will identify issues and develop legislative recommendations for the Speaker and the Assembly Majority Conference by the end of the year. Those recommendations will then be considered ahead of the 2027 legislative session.

Kelles, who represents the 125th Assembly District, is one of 14 Assemblymembers appointed to the working group. The members are:

• Harry B. Bronson
• Catalina Cruz
• Landon Dais
• Jeffrey Dinowitz
• Pamela Hunter
• Alicia L. Hyndman
• Chantel Jackson
• Anna Kelles
• Charles Lavine
• Jennifer Lunsford
• Karen McMahon
• Gabriela A. Romero
• Jo Anne Simon
• Latrice Walker

The Assembly’s announcement comes as state officials respond to allegations involving the handling of a reported sexual assault at Cornell University.

On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul called for outside counsel to conduct an independent review of Cornell’s response to the case. Hochul said the review should examine the university’s campus culture as well as its systems for preventing, reporting and responding to sexual assault.

“The allegations in this case are nothing short of horrifying. For any student to come forward after an experience like this takes extraordinary courage,” Hochul said. “No student should ever be left wondering whether the institutions meant to protect them will listen and act.”

Hochul also said she supports the district attorney’s decision to reopen the criminal investigation and called for an independent examination of whether Cornell fulfilled its obligations to protect students and pursue justice.

“I support the district attorney’s decision to reopen the criminal investigation,” Hochul said. “But there are also serious questions about Cornell’s campus culture and its systems for prevention, reporting, and response. That is why I am calling for outside counsel to conduct a transparent, independent review of the university’s response to determine whether Cornell met every obligation to protect its students and pursue justice.”

The Assembly working group’s recommendations are expected to inform discussions during the 2027 legislative session, including potential changes to New York’s sexual assault laws and related policies.