Bill > S00162

This bill, known as the "Stop Workplace Abuse Today (SWAT) Act," authorizes the commissioner of labor and the workers' compensation board to issue stop-work orders against employers who violate labor laws, such as minimum wage regulations, wage payment requirements, or workers' compensation insurance coverage. The bill establishes a comprehensive procedure for issuing these orders, which includes providing employers with a 72-hour notice to address violations before a stop-work order is implemented. If an employer fails to comply, they can be subject to penalties ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per day, and the order will require the cessation of all business operations at sites where violations occur. The stop-work order will remain in effect until the employer comes into compliance and pays any assessed penalties. The bill also provides protections for employees, including a requirement that they be paid their regular rate during the stop-work order period and a rebuttable presumption of unlawful retaliation if an employer takes adverse action against an employee who has filed a complaint within 90 days. Additionally, the stop-work order can be applied to successor firms, corporations, or partnerships of the original employer, ensuring that businesses cannot easily circumvent labor law requirements.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S162