S 174 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Enacts the "commuter rail employee rights protection act"

This bill requires Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) companies to waive sovereign immunity for any legal claims against them in New York courts. It mandates that these railroads comply with key federal railroad laws, including the Railway Labor Act, Federal Employers Liability Act, and safety regulations. The waiver applies retroactively to all ongoing lawsuits involving these railroads. The bill directly affects employees who could pursue legal claims against Metro-North or LIRR under these federal protections.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 8, 2025 Last action Jan 7, 2026