S2976
An act to amend the Labor Law — 2024-03-27 · Calendar #529
The New York State Senate passed S2976, a bill to amend the Labor Law, on a roll call vote of 60-0. Sponsored by Sen. Mayer, the measure was Calendar Number 529 and took effect immediately upon passage. No debate was recorded during floor consideration.
Passed Senate
Ayes: 60
· Nays: 0
Debate Summary
No debate was recorded on this bill. The measure proceeded directly to a roll call vote.
An act to amend the Labor Law — 2023-05-15 · Calendar #651
The New York State Senate passed Senate Print 2976, sponsored by Sen. Mayer, requiring the Department of Labor to issue unemployment insurance determinations within 30 days, bringing the state in line with timelines for other state-administered benefits programs. The bill, which was vetoed by the Governor last year, addresses delays that plagued the unemployment system during the COVID-19 pandemic when applicants faced significant waits to learn whether their applications were approved or denied. Sen. Mayer noted that many jobless workers waited extended periods for notification while desperate for income replacement. An amendment proposed by Sen. Murray to clarify the definition of "manual worker" under Labor Law Section 190 in response to the Vega v. CM & Associates Construction Management, LLC decision was ruled nongermane by Acting President Persaud. An appeal of that ruling failed on a show of hands vote, 21-0. The bill passed on a roll call vote, 60-0.
Passed Senate
Ayes: 60
· Nays: 0
Debate Summary
The bill addresses unemployment insurance determination timelines, requiring the Department of Labor commissioner to issue approval or denial determinations within 30 days unless exigent circumstances exist. Sen. Mayer explained the bill would bring the Department of Labor in line with other state-administered benefits programs and provide timely notification to jobless workers. An amendment was proposed to clarify the definition of "manual worker" under Labor Law Section 190 in response to the Vega v. CM & Associates Construction Management, LLC decision, but was ruled nongermane by the Acting President.
Amendments
| Sponsor | Description | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Sen. Murray | Would clarify that a manual worker is someone whose primary duty is to perform physical labor, and would direct the Commissioner of Labor to adopt regulations establishing criteria for determining whether an occupation meets the definition of manual worker and what constitutes physical labor, in response to the Vega decision's interpretation of wage theft provisions. | defeated |