ALBANY, NY (607NewsNow) — The New York State Assembly is examining sexual assault laws.

Speaker Carl Heastie has formed a 14-member working group, which will include Assemblymember Anna Kelles. Heastie calls sex assault allegations at Cornell “horrifying” and wants to make sure victims and survivors see justice.

“This working group includes a broad cross-section of experience and viewpoints,” Heastie said. “I am confident they will thoughtfully consider how best to move forward so that New York’s laws are as strong as possible.”

Kelles says state lawmakers have a prime responsibility.

“We need to ensure that New York’s laws fully protect survivors of sexual violence and address the gaps that still exist. We also have a responsibility to make sure that any changes we make to our laws are thoughtful, comprehensive, and actually accomplish what we intend them to,” Kelles wrote in a Facebook post.

The working group will work to identify issues and develop legislative recommendations to Speaker Heastie and the Majority Conference before the end of 2026, so they can be considered in next year’s legislative session.