Bill > S06310

This bill amends the New York executive law to prohibit employment discrimination based on an individual's unemployment status. Specifically, the bill defines "unemployment status" as a person's current or recent unemployment and makes it unlawful for employers, employment agencies, or their representatives to make hiring, compensation, or employment condition decisions based solely on whether someone is unemployed. The bill does allow employers to publish job advertisements with certain qualifying criteria, such as requiring specific professional licenses, minimum education levels, or professional experience, and to state that only current employees will be considered for a position. If an employer is found to have violated this anti-discrimination provision by the commissioner of labor, they may be assessed penalties as outlined in existing labor law. The legislation aims to protect job seekers from being unfairly disadvantaged in the employment market simply because they are currently unemployed, thereby giving unemployed individuals a more equitable chance at securing new employment.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6310