Bill > A00746

This bill amends New York's executive law to clarify and expand the definition of "reasonable accommodation" for employees with disabilities. Specifically, the bill now explicitly includes an unpaid leave of absence as a potential reasonable accommodation, allowing employees to take time off to recover from episodic manifestations of their disability. To utilize this accommodation, employees must provide medical certification demonstrating the medical necessity of the leave and inform their employer of their expected return date. The bill also outlines an interactive process between employers and employees to determine appropriate accommodations, which may involve the employer requesting medical information or having the employee examined by a medical professional. Importantly, the bill stipulates that an indefinite leave of absence is not permissible, and the goal is to minimize the impact of the accommodation on the employee's work while addressing the employee's specific disability-related limitations. This change aims to provide more flexibility and support for employees managing disabilities in the workplace while maintaining reasonable boundaries for employers.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A746