Labor & Employment

in committee · New York · Senate May 28, 2026

S 10471: Relates to providing cost-of-living adjustments

This bill increases the monthly pension benefits for surviving spouses of deceased retired public employees from fifty percent to one hundred percent of the amount the deceased would have received while alive. The change applies to retirees in state systems, including education and social security, as well as New York City employees in police, fire, and education retirement funds. Effective September 1, 2027, these enhanced benefits will begin in the month following the retiree's death or in September 2027, whichever occurs later. The legislation amends existing laws across multiple statutes to implement this increase without altering other provisions of the retirement systems.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill increases pension benefits for surviving spouses of public employees, expanding financial protection and worker benefits.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 4, 2026

A 11522: Relates to other post-employment benefits reserve funds for counties, cities, villages and towns

Authorizes the governing board of any county, city, village or town to establish one or more other post-employment benefits reserve funds for the financing of all or part of the cost of providing other post-employment benefits to eligible retired employees and their dependents.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes reserve funds for post-employment benefits, promoting fiscal responsibility and ensuring long-term financial stability for public entities.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill authorizes funds for other post-employment benefits, expanding financial security for retired workers and their dependents.85% confidence

Tags Local Government

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 2, 2026

S 10575: Extends the reporting deadline of the advisory panel on employee-owned enterprises to 2027

Extends the reporting deadline of the advisory panel on employee-owned enterprises from June 30, 2026 to June 30, 2027; extends for one year the advisory panel on employee-owned enterprises which is tasked with reporting and making recommendations on how best to support such businesses and promote the formation and growth of new employee-owned enterprises in New York state.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill extends an advisory panel focused on supporting employee-owned enterprises, which aligns with strengthening worker ownership and employment standards.75% confidence

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passed · New York · Assembly May 19, 2026

K 1405: Recognizing October as National Retirement Security Month

This bill designates October as National Retirement Security Month to highlight the importance of retirement planning and financial literacy. It directly affects New York State employees and workers by encouraging them to learn about existing retirement options like the State's Defined Benefit Plan and the Secure Choice Savings Program. The resolution calls for increased education on these programs and advises individuals to seek guidance from qualified financial experts to maximize their benefits. By pausing legislative deliberations to acknowledge this month, the bill aims to raise awareness about long-term financial security without changing any laws or funding levels.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill promotes retirement security and financial literacy for workers, expanding access to benefits and encouraging education on retirement plans.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Retirement Benefits

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 1, 2026

A 11210: Expands the empire state apprenticeship tax credit to include additional credit for people with disabilities

This bill expands a tax credit available to New York employers who hire apprentices, specifically adding a new benefit for hiring people with disabilities. Under the new rules, employers can claim an additional $500 tax credit for each person with a disability they hire as an apprentice. The definition of disability used in the bill matches the existing legal definition found in the state's executive law. This change aims to provide financial incentives for businesses to include individuals with disabilities in their apprenticeship programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands a tax credit to provide financial incentives for hiring apprentices with disabilities, directly advancing fiscal management goals.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access by incentivizing apprenticeships for people with disabilities, aligning with support indicators for enhancing student programs and access.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill provides tax incentives for hiring apprentices with disabilities, improving access to employment and economic stability for a vulnerable population.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill provides financial incentives for hiring apprentices with disabilities, expanding employment opportunities and supporting inclusive workforce development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Tax Incentives Apprenticeships Tags People with Disabilities

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passed · New York · Senate May 19, 2026

J 2093: Mourning the death of George Gresham, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

This bill is a Senate resolution honoring the death of George Gresham, a prominent labor leader and former president of the 1199SEIU healthcare union. The measure formally acknowledges his contributions to improving job standards and advocating for social justice issues while he served the union and various community organizations. It directs the legislative body to pause its proceedings to pay tribute to Gresham and instructs officials to send a copy of the resolution to his family. No new laws or funding are created by this text; it serves solely as a commemorative statement recognizing his life and legacy.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill honors a prominent labor leader and acknowledges his contributions to improving job standards and social justice, signaling support for labor advocacy.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 1, 2026

A 11205: Exempts unpaid student interns from coverage under workers' compensation

This bill exempts unpaid student interns from coverage under the state workers' compensation law. It directly affects students enrolled in secondary schools, charter schools, or cooperative educational services who participate in unpaid internship programs. The legislation defines a "student intern" as someone in an educational program whose work is primarily for training purposes and removes them from the legal definition of "employment" for compensation purposes. Consequently, these interns will not be eligible for workers' compensation benefits if they are injured while working, even though they are performing tasks for an employer. The change applies immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentBill removes unpaid student interns from workers' compensation coverage, weakening their workplace safety protections and limiting benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Child Labor Workers' Compensation

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 10350: Relates to use of accrued sick time, compensation time or vacation time

This bill allows public employees in New York to use their accrued sick, vacation, or personal time while waiting for workers' compensation benefits or during disputes over their claims. It ensures that employers cannot force workers to use this time during such periods and requires that any time used be fully restored if the employee is later found eligible for benefits. The law explicitly excludes employees covered by collective bargaining agreements, though unions may choose to adopt these provisions or negotiate different terms through their contracts. By taking effect immediately, the legislation aims to provide financial stability and flexibility to workers facing employment-related medical delays without altering existing negotiated benefits.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill protects workers' rights by allowing sick/vacation time during workers' comp disputes and preventing forced time use.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Paid Leave Workers' Compensation

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in committee · New York · Senate May 11, 2026

S 10265: Relates to preventing discrimination and increasing awareness of rights for employees with menstrual-related conditions, perimenopausal-related conditions and menopausal-related conditions

Relates to preventing discrimination and increasing awareness of rights for employees with menstrual-related conditions, perimenopausal-related conditions and menopausal-related conditions; requires employers to provide employees with an informational pamphlet on any regulations relating to the rights of employees.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects employee rights regarding menstrual and menopausal health conditions, preventing discrimination and improving access to necessary healthcare accommodations.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill prevents discrimination and mandates informational pamphlets regarding menstrual and menopausal conditions, directly protecting workers' rights and expanding employment standards.95% confidence

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passed · New York · Assembly May 28, 2026

K 1480: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 6, 2026, as Mother's Equal Pay Day in the State of New York

This bill asks the Governor of New York to officially designate August 6, 2026, as Mother's Equal Pay Day. The legislation highlights the wage gap between mothers and fathers, noting that mothers typically earn significantly less for full-time work. While the bill does not change laws or create new programs, it encourages businesses to conduct internal pay evaluations to ensure fair compensation for women. The resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment of the economic disparity faced by mothers and their contributions to the workforce.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill advocates for closing the wage gap and encourages fair pay evaluations, aligning with worker rights goals despite being symbolic.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination

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