Bill > A05494

This bill amends the civil service law to provide paid leave for public employees to volunteer as poll workers during local, national, or primary elections. Specifically, the bill allows public officers and employees from various government entities, including state agencies, counties, public authorities, school districts, and retirement system participants, to take up to eight hours of paid leave annually to serve as poll workers. The leave is considered excused and will not be deducted from other leave types the employee is entitled to. The bill requires the commission to establish guidelines for requesting and documenting this leave, and it explicitly states that the new provision does not diminish or impede existing employee rights, collective bargaining agreements, or other employment protections. The intent is to make it easier for public employees to participate in the democratic process by supporting election administration without losing pay or using their personal leave time.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5494