Bill > A01613

This bill provides nail specialists with a legal pathway to sue their employers or third-party clients in cases of workplace violations, offering comprehensive protection across several key areas. Specifically, nail specialists can now file lawsuits in state courts for violations related to workers' compensation, occupational health and safety, labor hours, and employer retaliation. The bill allows individual nail specialists or groups to bring actions on behalf of themselves and similarly situated workers, with potential remedies including compensatory damages (up to $500 per violation for health and safety issues), equitable relief for unlawful retaliation, and mandatory attorney's fees and court costs. Importantly, the right to file such a lawsuit expires after six years, providing a clear statute of limitations. The bill will take effect 180 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for developing necessary implementing regulations. This legislation appears designed to strengthen workplace protections and provide a direct legal mechanism for nail specialists to address labor-related grievances, potentially offering greater accountability for appearance enhancement businesses and their clients.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1613