S 1673 requires employers in New York to provide new employees with information about student loan repayment options when hiring for entry-level positions requiring an associate's degree or higher, including post-graduate internships. The bill mandates that employers distribute materials developed by state agencies covering federal repayment plans (like income-based options), loan consolidation, and public service forgiveness programs, plus links to the Department of Financial Services' student lending resources. It directly affects new hires in qualifying roles and all employers in the state, including public employers who must additionally detail public service forgiveness programs. The law does not change loan terms but ensures new employees receive clear, accessible guidance on managing student debt. The bill passed the Senate in March 2025 and is now in the Assembly.
Provides that certain allegations made by employees involving employment discrimination shall be protected and matters of public interest in actions involving public petition and participation.
Amends provisions relating to payment of wages to include compensation that is not payable solely at the employer's discretion; requires certain notices.
Empowers the commissioner of labor to issue stop-work orders against employers for misclassification of employees as independent contractors or for providing false, incomplete, or misleading information to an insurance company on the number of employees of such employer.
Makes the release of any claim by an employee, or independent contractor who is a natural person, against an employer, unenforceable if, as a condition of such resolution, the employee or independent contractor is prohibited from applying for, accepting, or engaging in future employment with such employer, or any entity or entities related to such employer.
Authorizes the election of qualified transportation fringe benefits; authorizes any employer to offer employees the opportunity to use pre-tax earnings for the purchase of qualified transportation fringe benefits.
Provides that an employee shall not be required to request reinstatement in order to file a discrimination claim regarding paid family medical leave benefits; permits a private right of action for certain violations as an alternative to a workers' compensation claim; provides for attorneys' fees and costs.
This bill amends New York's law to explicitly include veterans in the legal definition of "military status." It expands the current definition - which already covers active military service - to protect veterans who have completed their service from unlawful discrimination. The key change adds the phrase "a person's participation in the military service... if such person has been released from such service" to the existing definition. This means veterans will now be covered under the same anti-discrimination protections that apply to active-duty military personnel. The change applies to all areas governed by this law, including employment and housing.
Relates to the statute of limitations for actions based on discriminatory practices in employment; establishes action must be commenced within six years.
Provides that the court shall not reduce jury awards as excessive in employment discrimination actions unless the court finds exceptional circumstances which compel the conclusion that the jury was influenced by partiality, prejudice, mistake or corruption.
