Bill > S01038

This bill amends the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law to provide additional protections for Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) employees in civil legal proceedings. Specifically, the bill allows DMV employees to hire their own attorney to defend against civil actions related to their official duties, and stipulates that any damages, costs, or attorney's fees incurred in such defense will be paid by the state. The bill further protects employees by preventing termination proceedings based on actions taken in good faith that the employee reasonably believed were defending or upholding the constitution or laws of the United States or New York, even if those actions are later determined to be without legal authority. This means that DMV employees cannot be fired for making a good-faith effort to do what they believe is legally or constitutionally correct, even if their interpretation is ultimately found to be incorrect. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1038