New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S03740

Introduced
1/29/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

By creating a standardized RRW certification, the bill is expected to foster a more inclusive work environment where employees struggling with substance use disorders (SUD) can receive necessary support without facing discrimination. Employers are encouraged to implement specific programs, such as access to recovery resources, mental health services, and training for management and staff. The anticipated result is a safer workplace culture that prioritizes employee health and wellness, reducing the stigma around seeking help for substance use issues.

Summary

Bill S03740, known as the 'Recovery Ready Workplace Act,' aims to establish a framework for employers in New York to create supportive environments for employees with mental health and substance use challenges. The bill specifies criteria for certification as a Recovery Ready Workplace (RRW), which involves implementing policies and programs that promote recovery and address substance misuse in the workplace. It emphasizes the importance of involving employees in the development of the workplace program and mandates ongoing support and resources for affected individuals.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill may face contention from employers concerned about the cost and feasibility of implementing such programs. Critics might argue that the requirements could place an undue burden on businesses, particularly small ones that may lack the resources to comply fully with the RRW criteria. Additionally, the effectiveness of the bill depends on the involvement of employees and their willingness to engage, which could vary significantly across different workplaces.

Companion Bills

NY A00521

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

NY A09063

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.

NY S08381

Establishes the "recovery ready workplace act" which provides for the certification of an employer to become a recovery ready workplace.

NY A02617

Relates to defining retaliatory acts in the workplace and establishing an affirmative defense; provides that an act shall be deemed retaliatory in the workplace if an aggrieved employee is treated less favorably than any other employee; provides an affirmative defense for employers.

NY S07693

Establishes workplace readiness week to educate minors in relation to their workplace rights; requires eleventh and twelfth graders to receive education on workplace rights; requires a document on workplace rights to be provided to any minor seeking working papers.

NY A08108

Establishes workplace readiness week to educate minors in relation to their workplace rights; requires eleventh and twelfth graders to receive education on workplace rights; requires a document on workplace rights to be provided to any minor seeking working papers.

NY A08156

Establishes workplace readiness week to educate minors in relation to their workplace rights; requires eleventh and twelfth graders to receive education on workplace rights; requires a document on workplace rights to be provided to any minor seeking working papers.

NY S08358

Establishes the retail worker safety act requiring retail worker employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence; directs the department of labor to produce a model workplace violence prevention training program; requires employers to provide training on such programs; requires the installation of panic buttons at certain workplaces or wearable or mobile phone-based panic buttons to be provided.

NY A08947

Establishes the retail worker safety act requiring retail worker employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence; directs the department of labor to produce a model workplace violence prevention training program; requires employers to provide training on such programs; requires the installation of panic buttons at certain workplaces or wearable or mobile phone-based panic buttons to be provided.

NY A00775

Relates to the definition of employer and the duty of public employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence.

NY S05153

Relates to the definition of employer and the duty of public employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence.

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NC H351

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