Labor & Employment

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5351: Establishes the industry targeted unemployment task force

Establishes the industry targeted unemployment task force for the purpose of concentrating unemployment assistance, job training, and job development assistance during times of high unemployment to individuals who have previously been employed by an industry that is experiencing unemployment rates higher than the statewide average.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill establishes task force for targeted unemployment assistance and job training in high-unemployment industries, directly advancing worker reemployment support.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Unemployment Workforce Development

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in committee · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 3950: Expands the empire state apprenticeship tax credit to include additional credit for people with disabilities

This bill expands New York's existing apprenticeship tax credit by adding a $500 annual tax credit for employers who hire individuals with disabilities as apprentices. It directly affects employers participating in state-approved apprenticeship programs who hire people meeting the state's disability definition (from Executive Law §292(21)). The new credit applies separately from the existing annual credit structure for apprentice years (e.g., $2,000 for first-year apprentices), providing an additional incentive for disability inclusion. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAdds $500 tax credit for employers hiring disabled apprentices, providing direct tax relief under state tax code.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill adds $500 tax credit for employers hiring disabled apprentices, directly expanding employment opportunities and promoting inclusive hiring for a vulnerable workforce segment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Apprenticeships

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 563: Enacts the Good Jobs Guarantee Act for workforce training

Enacts the good jobs guarantee program to provide workforce training and opportunities for employment for residents of New York state to secure high paying jobs through the acquisition of job skills.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides workforce training for high-paying jobs, advancing employment opportunities and skill development per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3952: Establishes local wage enforcement authority in the city of New York

Establishes local wage enforcement authority in the city of New York; authorizes the city of New York to establish a minimum wage that is higher than the statewide minimum wage.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentAuthorizes NYC to set a higher minimum wage than state, directly increasing worker compensation and strengthening local wage enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Child Labor Labor Standards Minimum Wage

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 912: Relates to prohibiting contract provisions that waive certain substantive and procedural rights

Relates to prohibiting contract provisions that waive certain substantive and procedural rights relating to a claim of discrimination, non-payment of wages or benefits, retaliation, harassment or violation of public policy in employment.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits waivers of discrimination, wage claim, and retaliation rights, strengthening worker protections in employment contracts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination Labor Standards

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 19, 2026

A 1214: Relates to prohibiting certain conditions or preconditions of employment

Bill A1214 prohibits New York employers from requiring job applicants or employees to waive legal rights (such as claims under state or federal law) as a condition of employment. It directly affects all employers and job seekers in New York State by banning pre-employment agreements that diminish rights like wage claims or discrimination protections. The law specifically excludes collective bargaining agreements with labor unions. This creates a clear legal requirement that employers cannot force individuals to give up existing or future legal claims to secure a job. The bill takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits employers from requiring waivers of legal rights (wage/discrimination claims), directly protecting workers' rights under Labor & Employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1467: Relates to paid family leave after a stillbirth

This bill (A 1467) adds "to recover after a stillbirth" as a qualifying reason for paid family leave under New York's workers' compensation law. It directly affects employees who experience a stillbirth, allowing them to take paid leave for recovery. The key provision amends existing law to include stillbirth recovery alongside other covered reasons like bonding with a newborn or caring for a family member with a serious health condition. The change applies to all policies or contracts issued, renewed, or modified after the effective date. This is a specific policy update to expand access to paid leave for a defined health-related event.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAdds stillbirth recovery to paid leave coverage, expanding health-related leave benefits for employees facing medical loss, aligning with healthcare support indicators.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands paid family leave benefits to include stillbirth recovery, protecting workers' rights under employment standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse Paid Leave

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2000: Relates to making contractors and subcontractors that have been debarred under the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3144) ineligible to bid for or be awarded public works contracts

Relates to making contractors, subcontractors, and substantially owned-affiliated entities that have been debarred under the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3144) ineligible to bid for or be awarded public works contracts.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill enforces Davis-Bacon Act wage requirements by barring debarred contractors from public works, directly protecting workers' right to prevailing wages in construction.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Labor Standards

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passed · New York · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 681: Relates to fingerprinting or mandatory iris and retina scanning of employees

S 681 prohibits most private employers from requiring fingerprinting or mandatory iris/retina scans as a condition of hiring or continued employment. It directly affects private-sector workers and employers, with key exceptions for state/municipal employees, public hospitals, medical colleges affiliated with public hospitals, and private hospitals. The bill amends labor law to make this prohibition explicit and takes effect immediately upon enactment. It does not apply to government workers or healthcare facilities receiving public funding.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits private employers from mandatory biometric scans, protecting workers' privacy rights and limiting employer overreach in hiring practices.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill prohibits private employers from mandating biometric data collection (fingerprints/iris scans), directly protecting employee data privacy per topic description.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 365: Relates to regulating employers to keep their employees safe from exposure to extreme heat

This bill requires employers in covered workplaces (primarily businesses delivering goods/services to consumers or businesses) to create written heat illness prevention plans. These plans must include specific protections like providing potable water below 59°F, paid rest breaks in cool areas, monitoring heat exposure, and emergency response procedures for heat-related injuries. Employers must also provide annual training for all employees on heat risks, symptoms, prevention methods, and reporting procedures, with materials in workers' languages. The law applies to all employers, including contractors and temp agencies, and aims to prevent heat-related illnesses through concrete workplace safety measures.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates workplace heat illness prevention measures (water, rest, training, emergency response) to protect worker health, aligning with public health protection in healthcare policies.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates heat safety plans including water, rest breaks, and training, directly enhancing workplace safety protections for workers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Workplace Safety

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