S4516

The New York State Senate passed legislation to amend the Labor Law on a roll call vote of 53-0. Senate Print 4516, sponsored by Sen. Ramos, was advanced to a vote without floor debate. The measure takes effect immediately upon enactment. The bill received unanimous support from the chamber.

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would prohibit nondisclosure agreements from including liquidated damages clauses in harassment and discrimination cases. Senate Print 4516, sponsored by Sen. Fernandez, passed on a 58-3 vote. The bill aims to prevent victims of harassment and discrimination from being silenced by punitive financial penalties embedded in settlement agreements. Under current law, victims often must choose between staying silent about their experiences or facing immense fines if they violate NDA terms while seeking justice. "No one should be intimidated or silenced," Fernandez said during floor debate, arguing the measure protects vulnerable victims from being deterred from coming forward. Senators Lanza, O'Mara, and Walczyk voted against the measure. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.