Bill > S00986

This bill directs the New York State Department of Civil Service to conduct a comprehensive study on competitive examinations for public employment to assess potential discriminatory effects on minority examinees. The study will analyze multiple aspects, including the total number of minority and non-minority test takers, comparative examination results, agency-by-agency and municipality-by-municipality breakdowns of minority hiring percentages, and detailed investigations into potential discriminatory elements of the exams. These elements include exam questions, test location accessibility, examination timing, availability of preparation resources, and technological barriers. The department is authorized to request relevant information from other state agencies, with strict confidentiality provisions. Within one year of the act's effective date, the department must deliver a report to key state legislative leaders, which will exclude any personally identifiable information. The bill is temporary, taking effect immediately and expiring two years after its enactment. The primary goal is to identify and address potential systemic barriers that might unfairly disadvantage minority candidates in public employment competitive examinations.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S986