NY A01202

Allows public employees in New York (state, county, school district, public authority, BOCES, and retirement system participants) to voluntarily use accrued sick, vacation, personal, or compensation time during workers' compensation waiting periods or while their claim is controverted

Prohibits employers from requiring employees to use accrued time during workers' compensation waiting periods or controversion periods

Requires full restoration of any accrued time used if it is later determined no waiting period was required or the employee was entitled to benefits during the controversion period

Exempts employees covered by collective bargaining agreements, though unions may opt in to these provisions or negotiate different terms through bargaining

Preserves existing collective bargaining rights and does not diminish benefits already established through labor agreements