New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S04188

Introduced
2/3/25  
Refer
2/3/25  
Engrossed
3/4/25  
Refer
3/5/25  
Engrossed
5/21/25  

Caption

Establishes the crime of misappropriation of payroll funds when a person knows that funds are designated for use as employee payroll funds or as payment of payroll taxes, and intentionally prevents the funds from being used for their designated purpose.

Impact

The introduction of S04188 is significant as it targets the integrity of payroll systems and the responsibilities of individuals in charge of employee funds. By classifying the misappropriation of payroll funds as a felony, the legislation underscores the seriousness of such actions and seeks to deter fraudulent behavior affecting employees and their wages. The bill is likely to affect various businesses and payroll processing companies, who would need to ensure compliance with the law to avoid potential legal repercussions.

Summary

Bill S04188 introduced in the New York Senate aims to establish the crime of misappropriation of payroll funds. Under this legislation, an individual would be guilty of this crime if they knowingly prevent designated funds from being used for employee payroll or payroll taxes. The bill emphasizes that any delays in the transfer of funds that are based on appropriate agreements for investigating potential fraudulent transactions shall not be considered misappropriation. This law, if enacted, would create a new section 165.80 under the penal law, categorizing payroll misappropriation as a class E felony.

Contention

While the bill is designed to safeguard employee rights and finances, there could be concerns about its implications for companies that manage payroll. Some stakeholders might argue that the legislation could lead to unintended consequences, particularly if businesses struggle to meet payroll obligations due to legitimate disputes that arise regarding funds. There may also be discussions around the definitions outlined in the bill—specifically what constitutes intentionality in preventing funds from being used as designated. The delineation of responsibilities between employers and payroll processing companies could also spark debate.

Voting_history

S04188 has seen a favorable trajectory in the legislative process, having passed through votes with strong support. It has garnered a unanimous approval with a Senate Floor Vote recording 61 yeas and 0 nays. This strong backing may indicate a consensus on the importance of protecting payroll integrity and addressing potential abuses in payroll management.

Companion Bills

NY A03382

Same As Establishes the crime of misappropriation of payroll funds when a person knows that funds are designated for use as employee payroll funds or as payment of payroll taxes, and intentionally prevents the funds from being used for their designated purpose.

Previously Filed As

NY A03280

Establishes the crime of misappropriation of payroll funds when a person knows that funds are designated for use as employee payroll funds or as payment of payroll taxes, and intentionally prevents the funds from being used for their designated purpose.

NY S07205

Establishes the crime of misappropriation of payroll funds when a person knows that funds are designated for use as employee payroll funds or as payment of payroll taxes, and intentionally prevents the funds from being used for their designated purpose.

NY S09130

Relates to the use of funds and payments from the IOLA fund; provides that funds and payments shall not be used for any other purpose other than as stated in section 97-v of the state finance law.

NY A10253

Relates to the use of funds and payments from the IOLA fund; provides that funds and payments shall not be used for any other purpose other than as stated in section 97-v of the state finance law.

NY S00533

Relates to the liability of payroll processing companies; provides that payroll processing companies that intentionally and wrongfully prevent the distribution of payroll shall be liable to employees that failed to receive an expected payment for an amount up to three times the expected amount; provides an action to recover damages may be maintained as a class action.

NY A03791

Relates to the liability of payroll processing companies; provides that payroll processing companies that intentionally and wrongfully prevent the distribution of payroll shall be liable to employees that failed to receive an expected payment for an amount up to three times the expected amount; provides an action to recover damages may be maintained as a class action.

NY A10649

Exempts a payroll agency that provides payroll services on behalf of another person or organization from the definition of hiring party.

NY S00432

Establishes a first permanent payroll employee tax credit which allows a business to receive a tax credit for the three years following the employment of such business' first permanent payroll employee where such credit equals a portion of the amount it costs to employ such permanent payroll employee.

NY A01755

Establishes a first permanent payroll employee tax credit which allows a business to receive a tax credit for the three years following the employment of such business' first permanent payroll employee where such credit equals a portion of the amount it costs to employ such permanent payroll employee.

NY S00037

Clarifies methods for the payment of wages and authorizes the payment of wages by use of payroll cards.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.