Bill > A05054

This bill amends the labor law to establish new regulations for representatives who provide services to claimants in unemployment insurance cases. The bill creates a framework where approved representatives can have a legal lien on the benefits awarded to a claimant, but with strict guidelines on fee collection. Specifically, representatives can only charge a contingency fee of 15% of the total benefits to be paid, which must be agreed upon in a written retainer agreement using simple language. The bill criminalizes soliciting business for unemployment claim representation or charging fees beyond the approved 15%, making such actions a misdemeanor. Representatives are prohibited from charging additional expenses like telephone, postage, or travel costs. The bill requires that fee applications be made orally at the final hearing, with the administrative judge potentially requesting a written description of services. To improve accessibility, all forms related to these provisions must have links to translations in frequently used non-English languages. The bill will take effect on the first day of January following its enactment.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5054