S5254

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Chris Ryan to protect employees who participate in workplace violence investigations from wage reductions or withholding, and to enhance labor protections for public employees. The bill passed on a 61-0 roll call vote. The measure received support from major labor organizations including the AFL-CIO, CSEA, PEF, NYSUT, AFSCME, and CWA, as well as law enforcement unions representing state troopers, correctional officers, and police. During floor debate, Sen. Stec attempted to offer an amendment to repeal the HALT Act, arguing that prison workplace violence has surged since the law's 2021 implementation, with assaults on correctional staff increasing 70 percent and assaults on inmates rising 169 percent. Acting President Persaud ruled the amendment nongermane to the bill's subject matter. Sen. Stec appealed the ruling, but the appeal was defeated on a 21-ayes show of hands vote. Sen. Ryan emphasized that the legislation upholds the principle that no worker should face financial penalties for standing up for workplace safety.