NY S05065

Entitles employees who are parents or legal guardians to work remotely when schools or day care centers close due to state or local disaster emergencies, provided the essential functions of their position can be performed remotely.

Creates a rebuttable presumption that employees can perform work remotely if they have already done so for two consecutive pay periods or two weeks in the current or immediately preceding calendar year.

Allows employees to request flexible working arrangements (changes in hours, schedule, remote work, or job-sharing) during school or day care closures, requiring employers to consider such requests and respond within 14 days if submitted in writing, with written denial reasons required.

Prohibits employers from discharging, threatening, penalizing, or retaliating against employees for exercising rights under this section, with civil penalties of $500 per violation enforceable by the Commissioner of Labor.

Takes effect 30 days after enactment, though employees may immediately begin requesting remote work or flexible arrangements under the law's provisions.