S8877

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday targeting "ghost jobs"—fraudulent or speculative job postings made without genuine intent to fill positions. Senate Print 8877, sponsored by Sen. Gianaris, requires employers with 100 or more employees to disclose in job postings whether positions are for immediate openings (to be filled within 90 days), future openings (after 90 days), or speculative resume collection. Violations carry fines of $2,500, escalating to $5,000 if not remedied within 30 days. The Department of Labor would enforce the law. The bill passed 39-19, with significant Republican opposition and some Democratic skepticism. Opponents, including Sens. Borrello, Murray, and Tedisco, argued the problem is overstated, the penalties excessive, and the 30-day cure period unrealistic given publication cycles. Sen. Borrello, an employer and NFIB member, said he had never heard of ghost jobs and warned the bill would spawn class-action lawsuits against small businesses. Sen. Murray, who owned an employment newspaper, acknowledged the problem is real but said the punishment far exceeds the offense. Sen. Tedisco criticized the bill for applying stricter standards to private employers than to state agencies, which also post jobs without filling them. Gianaris countered that the bill imposes minimal burden—merely requiring one sentence in job postings—and clarified there is no private right of action, contrary to opponents' claims. He noted that for unemployed job seekers, wasted time on nonexistent positions is more than mere frustration.

The New York State Senate passed legislation to amend the Environmental Conservation Law on a roll call vote of 57-0. Senate Print 8877, sponsored by Sen. Sanders, was advanced to a vote without floor debate. The measure, which carried Calendar Number 1124, takes effect immediately upon enactment.