Labor & Employment

passed · New York · Assembly Feb 24, 2025

K 114: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 16-22, 2025, as Grain Bin Safety Week in the State of New York

This resolution asks Governor Hochul to declare February 16-22, 2025, as Grain Bin Safety Week in New York. It directly aims to raise awareness about grain handling hazards affecting agricultural workers, citing that over 900 engulfment incidents have occurred in the U.S. with a 62% fatality rate. The resolution emphasizes education and safe work practices to reduce preventable injuries and deaths, without creating new laws or regulations. It is a non-binding request to the Governor, consistent with legislative tradition for awareness weeks.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentPromotes grain bin safety awareness for agricultural workers, citing high fatality rates and emphasizing education to reduce preventable injuries, directly advancing workplace safety standards in Labor & Employment.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3596: Enacts "the prison wage act" relating to payment for labor performed by incarcerated individuals

This bill requires incarcerated individuals in New York state correctional facilities to be paid for labor performed, setting a minimum standard of at least half the state's minimum wage. It directly affects people held in state and local prisons who work in facility operations, community programs, or nonprofit volunteer roles. Key provisions mandate compensation for all work described in the law, including kitchen duties, maintenance, and specialized facility tasks, with pay calculated based on minimum wage standards. The law updates multiple correction law sections to ensure all such labor is compensated fairly, replacing previous unpaid or low-wage labor practices.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires fair wages for incarcerated workers, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism through meaningful labor opportunities in correctional facilities.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates minimum wage payment for incarcerated workers, directly advancing wage standards and workers' rights per bill's compensation requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Labor Standards Minimum Wage

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5404: Provides for nondisclosure and non-disparagement agreements

Prohibits provisions in any waiver, settlement, agreement or other resolution of any claim where the foundation for which is an alleged violation of the labor law or article fifteen of the executive law, that prevent the disclosure of the employee's workplace experience with the employer.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits non-disclosure clauses in labor violation settlements, protecting employees' right to report workplace issues without fear of silencing agreements.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3137: Exempts poll workers from the obligation to pay New York state income tax on income earned on an election day

This bill exempts New York state income tax on income earned by resident poll workers on election days, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026. It directly affects individuals working as election inspectors, poll clerks, or election coordinators during state, local, or federal elections (including primaries). The key provision removes the requirement for these workers to pay state income tax on their election-day earnings, regardless of federal tax status. The exemption applies only to income earned specifically on election days, not other work.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts poll workers from state income tax on election day earnings, providing tax relief for lower-income election workers as a direct tax policy change.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExempts poll workers from state income tax on election-day earnings, increasing take-home pay and expanding financial benefits for covered workers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 11, 2026

A 2107: Relates to granting employees access to personnel records

Grants employees access to personnel records; requires notice of negative information in such records and an opportunity for a review; permits employee to include certain information in personnel records.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentGrants employees access to personnel records and notice of negative entries, strengthening worker rights to review and correct their records.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Employees

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2132: Establishes a job fair pilot program

This bill creates a 3-year pilot program to help incarcerated individuals in Wende and New York City correctional facilities find employment within six months of release. It requires holding at least three job fairs annually at these facilities, offering resume help, interview coaching, and connections to potential employers. Incarcerated people at Albion, Taconic, and Bedford facilities are excluded from the pilot but will receive alternative job search support. The program mandates annual evaluations tracking job placements, attendee numbers, and recidivism rates, with public reports to the legislature.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes post-release employment support to reduce recidivism, a key criminal justice reform measure.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill creates job fairs and support services for incarcerated individuals to transition to employment, advancing employment standards and reducing barriers for a vulnerable workforce group.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4509: Provides the carrier or employer a credit against permanent partial disability benefits for temporary partial disability payments made in excess of 130 weeks

Provides the carrier or employer a credit against permanent partial disability benefits for temporary partial disability payments made in excess of 130 weeks.

Topics ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentAllows employers to credit temporary disability payments exceeding 130 weeks against permanent benefits, reducing total worker compensation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Workers' Compensation

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2025: Waives pandemic unemployment assistance repayments under certain circumstances

Waives Unemployment Pandemic Benefits repayments in whole or in part if the payment of such pandemic unemployment assistance was without fault on the part of the claimant and such repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill waives unjust unemployment repayments for claimants without fault, protecting workers from financial burden and advancing unemployment benefit protections.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Unemployment

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9159: Relates to eligibility for paid sick leave

Requires an employer to provide sick leave to an employee who telecommutes at the same rate and under the same conditions that an employee present at the employer's work site would accrue it.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates equal sick leave benefits for telecommuters, protecting workers' rights under employment standards by ensuring consistent treatment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Paid Leave

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 9, 2025

S 4641: Prohibits non-compete agreements and certain restrictive covenants

Prohibits non-compete agreements and certain restrictive covenants; authorizes covered individuals to bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction against any employer or persons alleged to have violated such prohibition.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits non-compete agreements, protecting worker mobility and rights to seek new employment without legal restrictions.95% confidence

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