Creates a temporary commission to conduct a comprehensive study on the current utilization of paid family leave, make recommendations on how to increase access and the visibility of the program.
Prohibits cases from being closed without a hearing or written stipulation; requires a stenographic record of all hearings held; requires minutes and decisions to be provided to the injured worker in their native language.
This bill authorizes Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) to create a workers' compensation reserve fund, joining school districts and other entities that are already permitted to do so. The legislation allows these organizations to set aside money specifically for paying workers' compensation benefits and covering the costs of running their self-insurance programs. Funds in the reserve must be kept separate from other finances and can only be used for authorized claims or administrative expenses, with any excess money at the end of a fiscal year allowed to be transferred to other approved funds or applied to the next year's budget.
Relates to requiring employers to obtain an acknowledgement of receipt from employees of their sexual harassment prevention policy and sexual harassment prevention training program in writing in English and in employees' primary languages; requires employers to obtain acknowledgements from employees and keep such acknowledgements for six years.
This bill requires licensed cosmetologists and barbers to complete an eight-hour mental health first aid training program. The training teaches participants to recognize symptoms of mental health crises (like anxiety or depression), safely de-escalate situations, and refer clients to appropriate community resources. All current licensees and new applicants must complete this certified training to maintain or obtain their licenses. The law aims to enhance community safety by equipping beauty professionals - who interact closely with the public - with skills to support individuals in mental health distress.
Relates to requiring employers to obtain an acknowledgement of receipt from employees of their sexual harassment prevention policy and sexual harassment prevention training program in writing in English and in employees' primary languages; requires employers to obtain acknowledgements from employees and keep such acknowledgements for six years.
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.
This bill sets a legal limit of 16 cases per foster care worker at any time, directly affecting foster care workers and the children in their care. It modifies New York's Social Services Law to require that no worker supervise more than 16 foster care cases simultaneously. The provision takes effect 60 days after enactment, creating a concrete caseload cap for child welfare staff. This policy change aims to standardize supervision levels without specifying outcomes or advocating for particular results.
This bill increases the income threshold for a temporary public assistance benefit. It changes the rule so that individuals who recently started working can disregard all their earned income for up to six months (after job entry) if their total income is under 400% of the federal poverty level - up from the current 200% limit. This directly affects low-income working individuals receiving public assistance who are transitioning from unemployment to employment. The policy change aims to provide a longer financial buffer during early employment while maintaining eligibility for benefits.
Prohibits discrimination against any individual with an actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, a sex offense, or stalking; requires training on discrimination against individuals with an actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, a sex offense, or stalking.
