S1027B

The New York State Senate passed S1027B, an amended version of legislation modifying the Workers' Compensation Law, by a vote of 48-10 on Calendar Number 527. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Gounardes, adds a private right of action for workers' compensation claims. Sen. Borrello led opposition to the measure, stating that while a previous version of the bill passed unanimously, the addition of the private right of action represents a "game-changer" that will increase business costs in New York, already considered an expensive state for commerce. Borrello also criticized the bill for applying only to private-sector employees while exempting public employees, calling the differential treatment inconsistent with legislative standards. Ten senators voted against the measure: Borrello, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, O'Mara, Ortt, Stec, Tedisco, and Weik. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.