New York has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 4516) that further limits the terms employers may include in release agreements related to discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Senate Bill 4516 is effective immediately and applies to agreements entered into on or after Nov. 17, 2023.

New York has enacted legislation (Senate Bill S4878-A), which expands the circumstances under which an employer must provide notice to employees of their eligibility for unemployment benefits. Senate Bill S4878-A takes effect on Nov. 13, 2023.

The State of New York has announced the 2024 contribution rates for the state’s Paid Family Leave program.

New York has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 7382), which adds gender identity or expression as a protected class to the intern provision of the New York State Human Rights Law. Senate Bill 7382 is effective immediately.

New York has enacted legislation (Senate Bill S2518A), which prohibits employers from accessing certain electronic personal accounts. Senate Bill S2518A takes effect on March 12, 2024.

New York has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 2832-A), which amends the state’s criminal larceny law to include wage theft. This could subject employers who are found to have committed wage theft to increased penalties. Senate Bill 2832-A is effective immediately.

New York has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 4982), which protects employees who refuse to attend employer-sponsored meetings on religious or political matters, and/or refuse to listen to or view employer communications on religion or political matters. Senate Bill 4982 is effective immediately.