Bill A 8284, known as the "New York State Freedmen's Bureau Act," establishes the New York State Freedmen's Bureau. This bureau is tasked with developing and administering programs focused on community life, education, and workforce development. It will also connect individuals with their lineage, including through genealogical research. The bill specifies that "American Freedmen" - defined as descendants of persons enslaved in the U.S. who were emancipated in 1863 or 1865 and have experienced rights despoilment due to slavery's legacy - will be the sole beneficiaries of these programs. An appropriation of $50 million is allocated to fund the bureau's operations.
Requires the superintendent of state police to develop, maintain and disseminate to all members of the division of state police a critical incident leave policy requiring critical incident paid leave for any members directly involved in a critical incident; prohibits such superintendent from taking any punitive administrative action against any member of the division of state police granted critical incident leave solely on the basis of the provision of such leave.
Provides that the court shall not reduce jury awards as excessive in employment discrimination actions unless the court finds exceptional circumstances which compel the conclusion that the jury was influenced by partiality, prejudice, mistake or corruption or that remittitur or additur is necessary to avoid a complete miscarriage of justice.
This bill (S 4175) changes how attorney fees are awarded in human rights law cases in New York. It allows courts or the Human Rights Division to award reasonable attorney fees to a winning plaintiff or complainant in cases under the Human Rights Law. Defendants can only recover fees if they prove the case was "frivolous" (filed without reasonable basis or to harass), and must request fees in writing. The bill also clarifies that expert witness fees follow the same rules and prevents the Human Rights Division from being liable for fees except when acting as an employer.
Establishes the relocated worker grant program which requires the empire state development corporation to design and implement the relocated worker grant program which shall include a certification process to certify relocated workers and certify qualifying expenses for a reimbursement grant; defines terms; makes related provisions.
Establishes the relocated worker grant program which requires the empire state development corporation to design and implement the relocated worker grant program which shall include a certification process to certify relocated workers and certify qualifying expenses for a reimbursement grant; defines terms; makes related provisions.
Assembly Resolution No. 367 is a procedural bill that memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim April 21-25, 2025, as Work Zone Awareness Week in the State of New York. This proclamation aims to bring attention to motorist and worker safety in construction work zones.
Relates to the establishment of a state university-based center for employee ownership that provides education and outreach to business owners regarding employee ownership.
Bill A 8000 provides emergency funding to ensure the continued operation of state government. It allocates funds for the salaries and benefits of state employees across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, including those in state-operated special employment programs. The bill also covers essential non-personal service expenses for state departments and agencies. These appropriations are authorized for the period from April 1, 2025, through April 23, 2025, to support government functions until a full state budget is passed.
Bill S 5432 increases various disability benefits for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers injured in the line of duty. It doubles the weekly permanent total disability benefit from $600 to $1200 and raises the maximum combined earnings and benefits for severely injured volunteers from $800 to $1600. The bill also significantly increases temporary total disability benefits, setting a rate of $650 per week for injuries from July 2021 to June 2025, and $800 per week for injuries occurring after July 2025. These adjustments aim to provide enhanced financial support to volunteers experiencing disabilities from their service.
