Labor & Employment (Professional Licensing)

passed both · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 10643: Relates to labor peace agreements and the cannabis industry wage board; repealer

This bill modifies regulations for the cannabis industry in New York to strengthen labor standards and market oversight. It requires new and renewing license applicants to sign labor peace agreements with unions, making the maintenance of these agreements a condition for certification and registration. The legislation also establishes a new Cannabis Industry Wage Board to set fair wages and working conditions, while giving the state board authority to review licenses and modify terms if large market players hinder social equity goals. Additionally, the bill mandates that applicants disclose detailed ownership structures and salary information to promote transparency and accountability within the industry.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates labor peace agreements and establishes a wage board to strengthen worker rights and fair wages.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Professional Licensing

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 16, 2026

S 9931: Requires that an organization applying for grant funding shall provide to arts agencies a certification that it will enter into a labor peace agreement with at least one bona fide labor organization

Requires that an organization applying for grant funding shall provide to arts agencies a certification that it will enter into a labor peace agreement with at least one bona fide labor organization either where such bona fide labor organization is actively representing employees providing services covered by the organization seeking such grant funding or upon notice by a bona fide labor organization that is attempting to represent employees who will provide services to the organization seeking such grant funding; relates to prevailing wage requirements for not-for-profit theaters and payment of their employees on productions funded by the New York state council on the arts or arts agencies of localities.

Topics ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentBill mandates labor peace agreements, which restricts collective bargaining and limits workers' ability to organize or strike.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Professional Licensing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 3, 2026

A 10374: Establishes the hospice workforce stabilization and innovation program; appropriation

Establishes the hospice workforce stabilization and innovation program; grants for staff retention incentives, continuing education, professional certification including board certification in hospice and palliative care, workforce wellness initiatives, and other workforce support activities approved by the department; creates grants for establishing regional hospice workforce pipeline programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly creates a new program with appropriations for hospice workforce stabilization, including grants for staff retention, education, and wellness initiatives, directly funding essential public health services.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes hospice workforce stabilization program with grants for staff retention, education, and wellness initiatives, directly strengthening healthcare workforce capacity.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill establishes workforce stabilization program with grants for staff retention, continuing education, certification, and wellness initiatives, directly supporting hospice workers' employment conditions and professional development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Professional Licensing

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in committee · New York · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 9542: Establishes the hospice workforce stabilization and innovation program; appropriation

Establishes the hospice workforce stabilization and innovation program; grants for staff retention incentives, continuing education, professional certification including board certification in hospice and palliative care, workforce wellness initiatives, and other workforce support activities approved by the department; creates grants for establishing regional hospice workforce pipeline programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a new program with appropriations for hospice workforce stabilization, indicating increased government funding for public health services.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill establishes hospice workforce stabilization program with grants for staff retention, education, certification, and wellness initiatives, directly supporting worker benefits and workforce stability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Professional Licensing

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 18, 2026

A 10223: Establishes the "recovery ready workplace act"

This bill establishes a certification program for employers to become "recovery ready workplaces" (RRWs), directly affecting employers across all industries and their employees with substance use disorders (SUDs). To earn certification, employers must implement specific measures including onsite naloxone availability, mandatory training for supervisors on SUDs and prevention, workplace stress reduction strategies, and comprehensive health coverage for SUD treatment equal to physical health care. The program requires collaboration with unions and recovery organizations, along with policies ensuring confidentiality and reasonable accommodations for employees in recovery. Certification criteria also mandate connecting with local recovery resources and assessing workplace culture to support employees seeking treatment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates equal health coverage for SUD treatment as physical health, expanding access to mental health services per bill's certification requirements.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates equal SUD treatment coverage and supervisor training, advancing workplace health protections for employees with substance use disorders.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse Professional Licensing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Feb 12, 2026

A 10237: Establishes a battery storage fire training program

This bill requires all firefighters in New York state - both permanent and temporary/probationary hires - to complete a state-approved battery storage fire training program in addition to standard fire training. It mandates that the State Fire Administrator approve training programs, certify instructors, and issue certificates to firefighters who complete the required training. The policy directly affects all county, city, town, village, and fire district fire departments by making this certification a condition for hiring, retention, and permanent appointment. The bill establishes concrete new requirements for firefighter qualifications related to emerging battery storage fire safety risks.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates firefighter training for battery storage safety, supporting safe deployment of renewable energy infrastructure.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates state-approved fire safety training for all NY firefighters, directly improving workplace safety standards for workers in the labor force.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Professional Licensing

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in committee · New York · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 9125: Enacts the "licensure incentives and fee-support for testing (LIFT) act"

Enacts the "licensure incentives and fee-support for testing (LIFT) act"; establishes the social work licensure examination voucher program to provide low-income individuals vouchers to cover the cost of the examination required for licensure as a licensed master social worker or licensed clinical social worker.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesDirectly funds voucher program for low-income social work licensure exams using state budget, advancing public service access for disadvantaged groups through targeted appropriations.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides vouchers for social work licensure exams, increasing mental health professional access for low-income individuals.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides vouchers for licensure exams, reducing financial barriers to employment in social work for low-income individuals, advancing workforce access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Professional Licensing

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in committee · New York · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 9145: Establishes the "recovery ready workplace act"

S 9145, the "Recovery Ready Workplace Act," creates a certification program for employers to become "recovery ready workplaces" (RRWs), directly affecting businesses with employees and their workers struggling with substance use disorders. Key provisions require employers to implement specific policies, including providing naloxone access, offering anti-stigma training for staff, ensuring equal health coverage for substance use disorder treatment as physical health care, and connecting with recovery organizations within six months of certification. Employers must also develop written plans with employee and union input, address workplace stressors linked to substance misuse, and maintain confidentiality for employees seeking support. The law aims to reduce barriers to care and normalize recovery support in the workplace through structured certification criteria.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates equal health coverage for substance use disorder treatment as physical health care, advancing insurance coverage access for mental health services.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates equal health coverage for substance use disorder treatment, naloxone access, and anti-stigma training - strengthening workplace safety and worker health protections under Labor & Employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse Collective Bargaining Professional Licensing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 30, 2026

A 10094: Enacts the "licensure incentives and fee-support for testing (LIFT) act"

Enacts the "licensure incentives and fee-support for testing (LIFT) act"; establishes the social work licensure examination voucher program to provide low-income individuals vouchers to cover the cost of the examination required for licensure as a licensed master social worker or licensed clinical social worker.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill provides vouchers for social work licensure exams, supporting mental health workforce development by reducing financial barriers for low-income individuals seeking healthcare provider roles.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides financial assistance (vouchers) to low-income individuals seeking social work licensure, advancing employment opportunities in regulated professions by reducing entry barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Professional Licensing

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vetoed · New York · Assembly Dec 19, 2025

A 521: Establishes the "recovery ready workplace act"

Establishes the "recovery ready workplace act" which provides for the certification of an employer to become a recovery ready workplace; defines terms; establishes the recovery-ready workplace program; provides criteria for employers to obtain certification as a recovery ready workplace; provides for employee involvement.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEmployee involvement in certification program indicates proactive worker engagement, aligning with labor protection goals without direct wage/safety mandates.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Professional Licensing

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