S1039A

The Senate passed S1039A, a civil service law amendment sponsored by Sen. Jackson, on a 47-16 vote. The bill extends fair due-process hearing protections to permanent non-New York City government employees facing disciplinary charges, establishing an impartial arbitrator system selected by mutual agreement from a list maintained by the Public Employment Relations Board. Jackson argued the measure ensures consistency in civil service protections across sectors while safeguarding employees from unjust unpaid suspensions during hearings. The bill maintains existing disciplinary procedures for NYC employees while leveraging the expertise of the city's Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings. Sixteen senators voted against the measure, including Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Martins, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber, and Weik.