Bill > A04484

This bill provides line of duty sick leave protections for first responders during a pandemic, specifically covering police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics who are exposed to or diagnosed with a pandemic virus. The bill mandates that these first responders will receive full pay during their absence, without losing their accrued sick leave, if they submit a written request to their employer and have been diagnosed with or are showing symptoms of a pandemic virus as declared by the World Health Organization and the state governor. Additionally, the bill prohibits employers from taking adverse personnel actions against employees who utilize this sick leave, such as discipline, discharge, suspension, or discrimination. The legislation requires employees to provide a waiver allowing disclosure of their medical information for processing the sick leave claim, and the state will reimburse public authorities or municipal corporations with populations under one million for the cost of this leave. The bill aims to protect and support first responders during public health emergencies by ensuring they can take necessary medical leave without financial or professional consequences.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4484