This bill allows private companies to voluntarily create written policies that give hiring, promotion, or retention preferences to veterans over equally qualified non-veterans. It defines "private employer" as any business entity excluding government agencies and specifies which individuals qualify as veterans based on their active duty service and discharge status. The policy must be applied consistently to all employment decisions, including situations where a company reduces its workforce. The legislation does not require businesses to adopt such policies but provides a legal framework for those that choose to do so.
This bill, known as the Commuter Rail Employee Rights Protection Act, requires Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road to waive their legal immunity in lawsuits brought by employees or others. It mandates that these railroads comply with all existing federal laws covering employee safety, labor relations, retirement benefits, and discrimination. The changes apply to all current and future operations within New York state and are effective immediately.
Allows an authority having jurisdiction over a volunteer fire department or fire company in a county, city, town, village, fire district, or fire protection district to provide volunteer firefighters with a stipend of a nominal fee for responses to calls and for certain standby services; includes volunteer firefighters within the labor law definition of "employee" of a federal, state or municipal government of political subdivision thereof; establishes the volunteer fire service nominal compensation assistance fund.
Requires each utility to take appropriate safety precautions regarding electrical hazards, including developing plans to promptly de-energize downed wires within two hours of notification of the location of such downed wires from a municipal emergency responder and promptly secure such wires within six hours in the case of events that are not considered emergencies.
This bill asks the Governor of New York to officially declare the week of April 20-24, 2026, as Work Zone Awareness Week. The measure aims to highlight safety concerns for construction workers and drivers during the busy spring construction season. By aligning with the national observance, the bill encourages motorists to exercise extra caution when passing highway work sites. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote awareness of work zone dangers.
This bill prohibits government agencies from discriminating against individuals who are recovering from substance use disorders by denying them employment. It defines "government agency" broadly to include state departments, local municipalities, public schools, and correctional facilities. Under the new law, it is illegal for these employers to reject a job applicant solely because of their recovery status, provided they are not currently using substances. The provision takes effect immediately upon passage, aiming to ensure equal hiring opportunities for people in recovery.
This bill provides an emergency appropriation of approximately $1.5 billion to fund state government operations for the month of April 2026. It directly affects all state departments, agencies, and employees by authorizing payments for salaries, benefits, and necessary business expenses. The legislation ensures that the state can continue paying its workers and covering operational costs while waiting for the governor to submit the official annual budget. Once signed into law, these funds become available immediately to prevent any interruption in government services during the fiscal year.
Allows an authority having jurisdiction over a volunteer fire department or fire company in a county, city, town, village, fire district, or fire protection district to provide volunteer firefighters with a stipend of a nominal fee for responses to calls and for certain standby services; includes volunteer firefighters within the labor law definition of "employee" of a federal, state or municipal government of political subdivision thereof; establishes the volunteer fire service nominal compensation assistance fund.
This Senate Resolution formally recognizes the New York Chapter of the National Domestic Workers Alliance for its advocacy work and historical contributions to improving conditions for domestic workers. The bill highlights the organization's efforts in securing legal protections, such as paid sick leave and family leave, and recovering stolen wages for employees in the field. By adopting this resolution, the legislative body intends to publicly honor the group's achievements and the legacy of its founder, Dorothy Bolden, without enacting any new laws or funding.
Restricts the use by an employer or an employment agency of electronic monitoring or an automated employment decision tool to screen a candidate or employee for an employment decision unless such tool has been the subject of an impact assessment within the last year; requires notice to employment candidates of the use of such tools; provides remedies for violations.
