Bill > S05964

This bill enacts the Empire State Licensing Act to provide all New Yorkers with access to professional, occupational, commercial, or business licenses, permits, certificates, or related registrations regardless of an applicant's citizenship or immigration status. The bill amends various laws to prohibit discrimination against applicants based on their citizenship or immigration status, and requires licensing entities to review their qualifications and application processes to ensure maximum accessibility for immigrant New Yorkers. The bill also establishes strict confidentiality requirements for any information or documents collected that may be probative of an applicant's place of birth or immigration status.