NY 'yes means yes' policy expanding to private colleges

ALBANY, N.Y. – New York state's private colleges and universities will soon have a new, affirmative sexual consent policy to combat campus sexual violence.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo plans to sign the measure into law Tuesday at New York University.

The bill includes a "yes means yes" definition of consent requiring a clear, affirmative agreement between partners. It also creates a victim's bill of rights and boosts training for law enforcement, faculty and students.

The state's public schools adopted the policy last year.

Cuomo had made the policy a priority in the recently concluded legislative session, teaming up with pop artist Lady Gaga to write a supportive op-ed in Billboard Magazine.

Last year, California became the first state to adopt a "yes means yes" law for all schools that receive state money for financial aid.