Labor & Employment

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5463: Relates to penalties for violation of certain wage payment violations

Permits an employee to commence a private action against an employer for violation of frequency of wage payment violations; directs increased penalties.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill permits employee lawsuits for wage payment violations and increases penalties, strengthening enforcement of wage rights and protecting workers from wage theft.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards

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signed · New York · Senate Dec 19, 2025

S 3072: Relates to the use of consumer credit history for certain purposes

This bill prohibits employers and licensing agencies from using an individual's credit history (including credit reports, scores, or self-disclosed credit details) when making hiring, employment, or licensing decisions. It directly affects job applicants and license seekers who might otherwise face barriers due to their credit history. Key exceptions allow credit checks only for specific roles involving national security, law enforcement, financial responsibilities over $10,000, or access to trade secrets. The law applies broadly but exempts positions requiring security clearances, bonding, or fiduciary duties as defined in the bill. It does not prevent agencies from considering unpaid taxes or fines.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits credit checks in hiring, removing barriers for job applicants and advancing fair employment practices under Labor & Employment standards.90% confidence

died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1938: Permits schools to allow trade unions to make a recruitment presentation in a high school

Requires the principal of any high school to allow any local trade union, upon request, to enter the school for the purpose of trade union recruitment, including, but not limited to: making presentations; disseminating literature; and answering questions by students.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEnables trade union recruitment in schools, directly supporting collective bargaining rights and worker organizing efforts per labor topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Child Labor Collective Bargaining

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 492: Establishes the statewide childcare workforce living wage fund; appropriation

This bill establishes a $1.2 billion permanent fund to improve wages and benefits for New York's childcare workforce. It directly affects licensed childcare providers that accept families using the state's Child Care Assistance Program, requiring them to use at least 75% of funds for direct caregivers (like teachers), 10% for administrators, and the rest for program quality or expansion. The fund mandates that providers meet a new minimum compensation scale (developed with worker input) aiming to align childcare wages with public school educators. The Office of Children and Family Services will distribute funds based on factors like serving high-need children, underserved communities, and enrollment, with annual reporting requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes $1.2B permanent fund for childcare wages, mandating direct funding for caregivers and program quality, advancing public service funding.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds childcare workforce wages (75% for direct caregivers), directly supporting early education educators and improving access to quality childcare services.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEstablishes $1.2B fund for childcare worker living wage, mandates 75% for direct caregivers, develops compensation scale with worker input to improve wages/benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Employment Discrimination Minimum Wage

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 167: Provides that the commissioner of labor shall notify the chairperson of the state liquor authority of certain violations of the labor law

Provides that the commissioner of labor shall notify the chairperson of the state liquor authority of certain violations of the labor law relating to wages and hours of labor; provides that the chairperson of the state liquor authority shall suspend certain liquor licenses of such employers in violation of such provisions.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEnforces wage/hour compliance by requiring license suspension for violations, protecting workers' rights through administrative penalties.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4781: Relates to apprenticeship training

Requires such apprenticeship program is specific to the type and scope of work which is being performed and have a graduation rate of at least thirty percent as determined by the department of labor; makes technical corrections.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires specific apprenticeship program standards and 30% graduation rate, enhancing training quality and employment outcomes for workers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2456: Prohibits employers from requiring low-wage employees to enter into covenants not to compete and requires employers to notify potential employees of any requirement to enter into a covenant not to compete

Prohibits employers from requiring low-wage employees to enter into covenants not to compete; requires employers to notify potential employees of any requirement to enter into a covenant not to compete.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits non-compete clauses for low-wage workers, directly protecting their employment rights and mobility per Labor & Employment indicators.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3471: Establishes business franchise, personal income and insurance franchise tax credits for the expenses of employer provided or sponsored child care

S 3471 creates tax credits for New York employers who provide or sponsor on-site or nearby child care facilities. It offers a 10% credit (up to $10,000) on eligible operating costs and a 20% credit (up to $20,000) for qualified facility construction or improvements. The bill requires facilities to be licensed, serve primarily employees' children (excluding households earning over $200,000 annually), and comply with specific reporting rules. These credits apply to business franchise, personal income, and insurance franchise taxes under New York law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes tax credits reducing business tax liability for child care expenses, providing direct tax relief under fiscal policy.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides tax credits for employer-sponsored childcare, reducing employee costs and supporting work-life balance for workers with childcare needs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Tax Credits

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6190: Relates to employees' right to review personnel records

Requires employers to provide an employee, attorney for the employee or a representative of a recognized or certified employee organization, the opportunity to review and copy the employee's personnel file; provides the employee must submit a written request for this right to be exercised and former employees have to make the request within three years of leaving employment.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates employer access to personnel records, strengthening worker transparency and rights to review files per bill's explicit requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Employees

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 3, 2026

S 1911: Relates to notices of non-renewal provided to a health care professional by a health care plan

This bill clarifies rules for health care plans (like insurance companies and HMOs) when ending contracts with health care professionals (doctors, nurses, etc.). It requires plans to provide written reasons for termination and allow a 30-day review by a panel of three licensed peers before finalizing termination, except in cases of fraud or imminent patient harm. The bill also prohibits termination for protected actions, such as advocating for patients, filing complaints, or requesting a review. These changes apply to all health care professionals licensed in New York under current law, ensuring fairer processes for contract disputes.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects healthcare professionals from arbitrary termination for patient advocacy, ensuring continuity of care and patient rights through mandated peer review and written justification.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProtects health care professionals from retaliatory termination for patient advocacy and complaint-filing, directly advancing worker rights protections in employment contexts.90% confidence

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