Labor & Employment

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6775: Includes bonus in the definition of wages for purposes of the labor law

Includes bonus in the definition of wages for purposes of the labor law when the formula under which a bonus is determined is available to the employer or when the amount of a bonus has been declared; relates to the forfeit of wages.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands wage definition to include bonuses under specific conditions, strengthening worker protections for bonus payments under labor law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards

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in committee · New York · Assembly Apr 6, 2026

A 2533: Relates to remedies for unlawful discharge or discrimination for the exercise of an employee's right to be absent from employment for jury duty

Creates, in addition to the existing sanction of criminal contempt of court, the remedies of labor law civil penalties and employee's right to bring civil action for unlawful discharge, penalty or discrimination on account of the exercise by an employee of a juror's right to be absent from employment by reason of jury service.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates civil remedies for workers retaliated against for jury duty, directly protecting employment rights under Labor & Employment.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 87: Relates to prohibiting agreements between employers that directly restrict the current or future employment of any employee

Prohibits agreements between employers that directly restrict the current or future employment of any employee; allows for a cause of action against employers who engage in such agreements.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits anti-competitive employer agreements restricting worker mobility, directly protecting employment rights and preventing wage suppression through collusion.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 13, 2025

S 4912: Enacts "the construction reporting pay act"

Enacts "the construction reporting pay act"; provides that each laborer, worker or mechanic in the employ of a contractor who by request or permission of an employer reports for work on any day shall be paid no less than four hours at the prevailing rate of wages.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentGuarantees minimum 4-hour pay for reported work, protecting workers' earnings and reinforcing wage standards under Labor & Employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4523: Relates to excused absence of a public employee for mental health purposes

This bill (S 4523) creates a new paid leave entitlement for public employees in New York State to address mental or behavioral health needs. It directly affects all covered public employees, including state workers, county staff, school employees, community college personnel, and those in retirement systems. The key provision allows these employees to take paid leave for mental health appointments without using their accrued sick leave. The leave is specifically designated for mental health purposes and does not count against existing sick time. This policy change provides a clear, non-punitive way for public employees to access mental health care.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationDirectly supports school employees' mental health needs, enhancing educator well-being and retention without restricting education policies.80% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates paid leave for mental health appointments, expanding access to mental health services for public employees without using sick leave.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates new paid mental health leave for public employees, expanding worker benefits without requiring sick leave use.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Paid Leave Public Employees

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died · New York · Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 6868: Increases the civil penalties for violations of child labor laws

This bill increases civil penalties for employers violating New York's child labor laws. Penalties rise to up to $3,000 for a first violation, $5,000 for a second, and $10,000 for third or subsequent violations. Crucially, if a minor is seriously injured (defined as permanent disability) or dies due to a violation, penalties triple to up to $30,000. The law directly affects employers who break child labor rules, with penalties paid to the state treasury.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesPenalties paid to state treasury increase revenue, directly supporting fiscal management and budget resources without tax implications.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentIncreases penalties for child labor violations, strengthening protections for minor workers and workplace safety under Labor & Employment policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Child Labor Labor Standards

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6086: Increases the minimum wage outside of New York city and the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester; repealer

Increases the minimum wage outside of New York city and the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester; repeals certain provisions of law relating to exceptions to minimum wage increases.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentIncreases minimum wage outside NYC and specified counties while repealing exceptions, directly advancing wage standards per Labor & Employment indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Minimum Wage

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passed · New York · Assembly May 19, 2026

A 7898: Relates to mandatory arbitration clauses in employment contracts

This bill requires employers to provide new employees with clear, plain-language explanations about mandatory arbitration clauses before they sign employment contracts. Employers must explain what an arbitration clause means in simple terms, especially for contracts signed electronically or by mail, and include a link to a plain-language explanation. If a contract contains a prohibited mandatory arbitration clause (as defined by the bill), that specific clause is void, though other contract terms remain enforceable. The law applies to all new employment contracts entered into after the effective date.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires plain-language explanations for arbitration clauses, voiding prohibited terms to protect workers' rights from opaque contract terms.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate May 13, 2026

S 7990: Establishes the office of special investigation for work-related fatalities

Establishes the office of special investigation for work-related fatalities; provides direction for coroners and medical examiners when dealing with such fatalities.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates office to investigate work-related fatalities, directly enhancing workplace safety protocols and accountability for employer compliance.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5327: Relates to the requirement for policyholders to provide 30 days notice to withdraw from the state insurance fund

This bill requires employers to provide 30 days' written notice before withdrawing from the state workers' compensation insurance fund. Employers must submit this notice to the fund at least 30 days prior to their intended withdrawal date, and the fund must file a notice of cancellation at least 10 days before the effective date. The new private insurance contract cannot take effect until the state fund cancellation is finalized, preventing gaps in coverage. This applies specifically to employers switching from the state fund to private insurers under existing rules.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentPrevents gaps in workers' compensation coverage during employer transitions, ensuring continuous protection of workers' benefits and rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workers' Compensation

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