Morgan McKay is reporting for State of Politics the New York State Assembly passed two bills on on July 20, as state lawmakers returned to session this week. The Protect Our Courts Act would prohibit immigration-related civil arrests of anyone traveling to or from a court proceeding. “This bill will ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status, are able to participate in our justice system without fear of arrest or deportation," Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said. The measure has not yet passed the state Senate, but it was referred to the Rules Committee on July 20. Assembly lawmakers also passed a bill that would expand the state’s rape statutes, reclassifying some lewd and forced actions as rape. Assemblymember Joe Lentol said, “This change in the legal definition will ensure that our courts recognize these crimes for what they are, and will make it easier for survivors to seek the justice they deserve.” This bill was referred to the Senate Codes Committee back in May. Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.