S9840

Senate Bill 9840, sponsored by Senator Ramos and relating to amendments to the Workers' Compensation Law, was laid aside during floor consideration on the supplemental calendar. No debate occurred on the measure.

The New York State Senate passed legislation modernizing the state's Temporary Disability Insurance program, which has remained capped at $170 per week since 1989. Senate Print 9840, sponsored by Sen. Ramos, passed 54-6 on a roll call vote. The bill brings TDI benefits to parity with the state's paid family leave program through a phased increase beginning January 1, 2026, with the Department of Financial Services to set rates in fall 2025. The legislation also expands job protection and retaliation protections, adds daily intermittent leave for health challenges, and caps employer contributions to avoid overburdening small businesses. A significant provision adds temporary paid family leave coverage for birthing parents who experience stillbirth from January 1, 2026, through January 1, 2029, after which full TDI benefits apply. Sen. Ramos noted the benefit has not kept pace with inflation and cost of living increases, making it difficult for workers recovering from illness or injury to manage expenses. The bill eventually raises benefits to approximately two-thirds of a worker's paycheck. Six Republicans—Sens. Borrello, Griffo, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, and Stec—voted against the measure, with Sen. Oberacker expressing concern during debate that businesses lacked sufficient data on anticipated premium costs to plan accordingly.