Bill > A02589

This bill waives the state of New York's sovereign immunity (legal protection from being sued without consent) for specific federal employment and disability rights laws. Specifically, the bill allows the state, its instrumentalities (government-owned entities), and political subdivisions (like counties or municipalities) to be sued in state and federal courts for alleged violations of four key federal laws: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination; the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which establishes minimum wage and overtime pay requirements; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), which prohibits workplace discrimination against workers 40 and older; and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons. By waiving sovereign immunity, the bill effectively means that state and local government entities can now be held legally accountable for violations of these important worker and disability rights protections, just like private employers. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2589