New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07461

Introduced
4/17/25  

Caption

Relates to disqualification from receiving benefits for separation from employment in cases where the claimant's employer maintained or refused to cure a health or safety condition that made the environment unsuitable.

Impact

The proposed changes in S07461 are likely to have meaningful implications for both employees and employers in New York. By protecting workers who leave due to health and safety concerns, the bill aims to encourage employees to report unsafe conditions without the fear of losing their benefits. This could lead to a significant shift in workplace safety culture, placing the onus on employers to maintain appropriate health and safety measures. The effectiveness of this bill will depend on how both the state and employers implement these regulations and ensure that safe working conditions are maintained.

Summary

Bill S07461 proposes amendments to the New York labor law, specifically addressing the disqualification of claimants from receiving benefits when they separate from employment due to unsuitable health or safety conditions maintained or unaddressed by their employer. This bill introduces a significant change that stipulates claimants will not be disqualified from benefits if they leave their job due to unsafe working conditions, provided they can demonstrate that the employer was notified or was aware of the condition. This amendment is aimed at enhancing protections for workers by acknowledging that unsafe work environments should allow for benefits to be claimed due to employment separation.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding S07461 include concerns from employer groups regarding the potential for increased claims of unemployment benefits based on this new provision. Some opponents argue that this could lead to abuse of the unemployment system, with employees potentially using health and safety claims to leave work for non-justifiable reasons. Proponents counter that safeguarding employees in hazardous working conditions is essential to public health and welfare. The dialogue in the legislative sessions might reflect a broader discussion on striking the right balance between worker protection and employer rights.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY S05647

Relates to disqualification from receiving benefits for separation from employment in cases where the claimant's employer maintained or refused to cure a health or safety condition that made the environment unsuitable.

NY A00856

Prohibits employers from requiring certain conditions or preconditions of employment.

NY S03258

Prohibits employers from requiring certain conditions or preconditions of employment.

NY A03755

Relates to prohibiting retroactive minimum conditions of employment; provides that the employment of an employee who met the minimum qualifications or conditions for employment at the time of appointment may not be terminated or separated from service based on any new qualifications or conditions of employment enacted after the date of appointment to such civil service position.

NY S00331

Prohibits any employer, labor organization, employment agency or licensing agency, or employees or agents thereof, to seek high school, college or graduate program graduation dates from a prospective employee for an interview or as a condition for employment.

NY A00311

Prohibits any employer, labor organization, employment agency or licensing agency, or employees or agents thereof, to seek high school, college or graduate program graduation dates from a prospective employee for an interview or as a condition for employment.

NY S07609

Establishes the "no severance ultimatums act", which prevents employers from giving coercive ultimatums to employees or former employees relating to such employee's severance from employment.

NY A08154

Establishes the "no severance ultimatums act", which prevents employers from giving ultimatums to employees or former employees relating to such employee's severance from employment.

NY A08986

Establishes the "no severance ultimatums act", which prevents employers from giving coercive ultimatums to employees or former employees relating to such employee's severance from employment.

NY S07803

Clarifies that workers who are temporarily partially disabled are entitled to payment of benefits at a reduced rate unless their separation from employment is unrelated to the compensable injury.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.