Labor & Employment (Workers' Compensation)

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5799: Relates to employment discrimination relating to family leave

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.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRemoves barrier for filing family leave discrimination claims, permits private right of action vs workers' comp, and covers legal fees - strengthening worker protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination Paid Leave Workers' Compensation

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 6376: Prohibits insurance carriers and employers from withholding certain benefits from injured workers based on attachment to the labor market

Prohibits insurance carriers and employers from withholding certain benefits from injured workers based on a claim that such workers have voluntarily withdrawn from the labor market by not seeking alternate employment that their injury or illness does not preclude them from performing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents denial of workers' compensation benefits tied to insurance coverage, protecting injured workers' access to healthcare benefits.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentPrevents withholding benefits from injured workers not seeking alternate work they're capable of, protecting their rights and benefits under Labor & Employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workers' Compensation

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8393: Relates to disability benefits for pregnancy loss

Bill A 8393 amends the workers' compensation law to explicitly include "pregnancy loss" within the definition of a disability related to pregnancy. This change means that employees experiencing pregnancy loss would be eligible for disability benefits. The bill also establishes a specific calculation for these benefits, setting them at sixty-seven percent of the employee's average weekly wage, capped at sixty-seven percent of the state average weekly wage. This differs from the general benefit calculation for other disabilities.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands workers' compensation to include pregnancy loss as a covered disability, providing explicit financial protection during medical leave and strengthening disability benefit access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workers' Compensation

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in committee · New York · Senate Mar 25, 2026

S 2234: Provides that either party to a workers' compensation claim can request a hearing

This bill allows both injured workers and employers to request a hearing in workers' compensation disputes. It requires the board to schedule such hearings within 45 days of a request and prohibits the board from imposing limits, prerequisites, or penalties on hearing requests. The bill also mandates that the board maintain a record of all hearings held. This change directly affects workers and employers navigating compensation claims by streamlining access to hearings.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRemoves barriers for injured workers to request hearings in compensation claims, strengthening access to dispute resolution per bill's requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workers' Compensation

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4973: Removes labor market attachment requirements for certain disability cases

This bill amends New York's workers' compensation law to remove the requirement for workers with permanent partial disability to prove ongoing "labor market attachment" to receive benefits. It directly affects workers who have suffered work-related injuries causing lasting wage-earning capacity loss, allowing them to receive compensation based solely on their impairment level without needing to demonstrate continued job market engagement. Key provisions specify benefit duration limits (e.g., up to 525 weeks for >95% impairment) and also eliminate the labor market attachment requirement for temporary partial disability claims. The change simplifies the process for eligible claimants while maintaining specific benefit caps based on the severity of disability.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRemoves proof requirement for disability benefits, expanding access to compensation without labor market proof, directly protecting workers' rights and strengthening benefits under workers' comp.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workers' Compensation

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passed both · New York · Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 1202: Relates to use of accrued sick time, compensation time or vacation time

This bill allows public employees in New York (including state, county, school district, and retirement system workers) to use accrued sick, vacation, or personal time during waiting periods for workers' compensation benefits or when their claim is disputed. Employers cannot force employees to use this time during such periods, and if an employee later qualifies for benefits, they get their used time fully restored. The law does not apply to employees covered by collective bargaining agreements unless their union specifically opts in to these provisions. It preserves existing collective bargaining rights while ensuring employees don't lose accrued time during workers' comp processing delays.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProtects public employees' accrued sick/vacation time during workers' comp disputes, preventing loss of benefits and mandating restoration if claims succeed. Directly strengthens worker protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Paid Leave Public Employees Workers' Compensation

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 172: Increases short-term disability benefits

This bill increases short-term disability and family leave benefits for eligible New York workers. It phases in higher weekly benefit rates (from 50% to 67% of average weekly wage) and extends maximum benefit periods (from 8-10 weeks to 12 weeks) over time, starting in 2018. These changes apply to employees taking leave for disability or qualifying family care needs under New York's workers' compensation law. The bill requires employers to maintain health benefits during leave and prohibits retaliation for taking leave. The superintendent of financial services may delay benefit increases if needed to maintain program stability.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentIncreases weekly disability benefits (50%→67% wage) and extends leave periods (8-10→12 weeks), expanding worker benefits under New York's workers' comp law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Paid Leave Workers' Compensation

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2558: Relates to discrimination and retaliation against employees who claim workers' compensation benefits

This bill strengthens protections for workers who file workplace injury claims. It prohibits employers from firing, punishing, or threatening to report immigration status against employees who claim workers' compensation benefits, request claim forms, or testify in related proceedings. Key mechanisms include requiring employers to reinstate affected workers, pay lost wages, and face penalties of $500-$2,500 per violation (paid directly by the employer, not insurers). The law applies to all employees covered under New York’s workers’ compensation system.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits employers from threatening to report immigration status against workers claiming benefits, directly protecting immigrant workers' rights in workplace claims.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentStrengthens worker protections against retaliation for claiming workers' comp, prohibiting termination/punishment and requiring reinstatement/pay.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Workers' Compensation Workplace Safety

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