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NY S03266
Bill
Status
6/6/2023
Primary Sponsor
Brad Hoylman-Sigal
Click for details
AI Summary
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Amends Judiciary Law § 519 to protect jurors from discharge, penalty, or discrimination for jury service and establishes violation as both criminal contempt of court and a Labor Law § 215 violation subject to civil penalties and civil action.
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Adds jury service as a protected absence under Labor Law § 215(1)(a)(viii), allowing employees to bring civil actions against employers for retaliation related to jury duty.
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Authorizes the Department of Labor Commissioner to assess civil penalties of $1,000-$10,000 (or $1,000-$20,000 for repeat violations within six years) and award liquidated damages, back pay, reinstatement, and attorney's fees.
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Permits employees to bring civil actions in court within two years of violation for liquidated damages (up to $20,000), back pay, reinstatement, costs, and attorney's fees, with tolling of statute of limitations during commissioner investigation.
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Takes effect 30 days after becoming law.
Legislative Description
Creates, in addition to the existing sanction of criminal contempt of court, the remedies of labor law civil penalties and employee's right to bring civil action for unlawful discharge, penalty or discrimination on account of the exercise by an employee of a juror's right to be absent from employment by reason of jury service.
Last Action
referred to judiciary
5/29/2024