Bill > A01167

This bill establishes a mandatory hazard payment system for essential workers during a state disaster emergency, requiring employers to provide additional compensation to workers who are exposed to clear and direct safety and health risks in their work assignments. The bill comprehensively defines "essential workers" to include employees in healthcare, infrastructure, retail, services, transportation, and other critical sectors, and defines different types of employers such as formula retail stores, large employers, and transportation businesses. During a state disaster emergency, the labor commissioner will direct employers to make hazard payments, with specific compensation caps: up to $25,000 annually for workers earning less than $200,000 per year, and up to $5,000 for workers earning more than $200,000. These payments are intended to be supplemental to base salary and will not impact other existing benefits or performance-related compensation. The payments will be automatically terminated when the state disaster emergency ends, and the labor commissioner is tasked with developing specific regulations to implement this new requirement. The bill aims to provide financial recognition and support for workers who continue to perform critical services during emergency situations that put their health and safety at increased risk.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1167