NY A09398

Establishes the Nail Salon Minimum Standards Council consisting of 15 voting members (6 nail salon workers, 6 employers, 3 public representatives) plus 6 non-voting delegates to investigate wages and working conditions in the nail salon industry.

Council shall hold at least four public hearings and submit recommendations to the commissioner within 180 days on minimum wages, work scheduling, health and safety standards, sick leave policies, and other employment protections specific to nail salons.

Creates an independent minimum pricing committee to develop a fair pricing model for nail services that covers worker compensation, overhead costs, and reasonable business returns while preventing wage theft and labor violations.

Prohibits nail salon owners from retaliating against workers who participate in or provide testimony to the council, with violators required to pay triple lost wages, reinstatement, and attorney fees.

Commissioner must publish council recommendations accepted as regulations in the New York State Register for 30-day public comment period before adoption, with regulations taking effect 30 days after final adoption.