ALBANY, N.Y. (WRGB) – Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the Rape is Rape Act into law Tuesday, changing the way New York penal law defines the crime. The New York State Assembly passed a key chapter amendment to the Rape is Rape Act Monday, establishing an updated effective date and providing clarity for prosecution. The legislation, which has passed in the Assembly for 12 years, redefines rape in state law to include nonconsensual sexual contact. In 2023, the act passed in both the Assembly and the Senate and now with the governor’s approval, its provisions are set to take effect Sept. 1, 2024.