S7096

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Ramos to strengthen protections against wage theft through kickback schemes. The bill, Senate Print 7096, passed on a 60-0 vote. The measure allows courts to award liquidated damages, interest, and attorney's fees to workers victimized by employers or labor brokers who demand kickbacks as a condition of employment. Sen. Ramos, speaking in favor of the bill, called wage theft a persistent problem affecting low-wage workers in menial and dangerous jobs. She credited Attorney General Letitia James and her Labor Bureau team for bringing the issue to the Labor Committee and supporting the legislation. The bill takes effect immediately upon the governor's signature.