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NY S02499
Bill
Status
5/28/2025
Primary Sponsor
Andrew Gounardes
Click for details
AI Summary
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Removes the requirement that employees request reinstatement to their former position before filing a discrimination complaint related to paid family leave benefits
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Creates a private right of action allowing employees to sue employers directly in court as an alternative to filing a claim with the Workers' Compensation Board for paid family leave discrimination
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Allows successful plaintiffs in private lawsuits to recover compensatory, actual, and punitive damages, plus injunctive relief, reasonable attorneys' fees, and costs
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Permits employees with pending discrimination claims before the Workers' Compensation Board (where no finding has been issued) to withdraw those claims and pursue the new private lawsuit option instead
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Updates gender-neutral language throughout the anti-discrimination provisions of the workers' compensation law (changing "his or her" to "their")
Legislative Description
Provides that an employee shall not be required to request reinstatement in order to file a discrimination claim regarding paid family medical leave benefits; permits a private right of action for certain violations as an alternative to a workers' compensation claim; provides for attorneys' fees and costs.
Last Action
ADVANCED TO THIRD READING
2/26/2026