New York State Expands Accommodations for Breastfeeding in the Workplace

Governor Hochul has signed legislation that will require private sector employers throughout New York State to meet new time, space and notice requirements for accommodating employees who pump breast milk in the workplace.  The new law will be effective on June 7, 2023. Specifically, pursuant to the new law, employers must provide a nursing employee … Read more

President Biden Enacts the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act)

On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act). Federal law already requires employers to provide employees with reasonable break time to express breast milk for one year after the child’s birth and a place to do so, other than a bathroom, that is … Read more

President Biden Enacts the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

On December 29, 2022, President Bident signed into law the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (“PWFA”).   Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, as amended by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act in 1978, prohibits sex discrimination, including pregnancy discrimination, but does not require employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees. Relatedly, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) … Read more

New York State Provides Protection for Individuals Based on Citizenship and Immigration Status

On December 23, 2022, Governor Hochul signed into law New York State Assembly Bill A6328A, amending the New York Executive Law § 292 (the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL)), to prohibit employment discrimination against employees and job applicants based on citizenship and immigration status. This amendment, which became effective immediately upon Governor Hochul’s signature, prohibits … Read more

New York State Enacts Pay Transparency Law – Effective September 17, 2023

On December 21, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation that will require employers with four or more employees to disclose salary ranges in advertisements for jobs, promotions, or transfer opportunities.  The law will become effective September 17, 2023.  Pursuant to the new law, employers that advertise a job, promotion, or transfer opportunity must include: (1) … Read more

Governor Hochul Vetoes New York State Freelance Isn’t Free Act

The New York State Legislature recently passed the Freelance Isn’t Free Act (the “Act”).  If signed into law, the Act, which mirrors New York City’s Freelance Isn’t Free Act, would have provided protections to freelance workers/independent contractors. However, on December 23, 2022, Gov. Hochul vetoed Bill A9368/S8369B. The bill was modeled after the Freelance Isn’t … Read more