Bill > S04070

This bill enacts the "Trapped at Work Act," which prohibits employers from requiring workers to sign employment promissory notes as a condition of employment. The bill defines an employment promissory note as any agreement that requires a worker to pay the employer a sum of money if they leave their job before a specified period, including provisions framed as reimbursement for training. The legislation broadly defines "workers" to include employees, independent contractors, interns, volunteers, and others providing services. While prohibiting such notes, the bill allows some exceptions, such as agreements to repay advanced sums (except for training costs), pay for leased property, comply with sabbatical leave terms, or agreements made through collective bargaining. Employers found violating the law can be fined between $1,000 and $5,000 per violation, with each worker affected constituting a separate violation. Additionally, if an employer tries to sue a worker to enforce an invalidated promissory note, the worker can recover attorney's fees upon successfully defending against the lawsuit. The bill emphasizes that these protections do not supersede other existing legal rights and includes a savings clause to ensure that if any part of the law is deemed invalid, the rest remains in effect.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4070