Bill > S08966

This bill requires employers to provide employees with a detailed notice before they accept a "resignation solicitation," which is defined as any employer-initiated request or offer for an employee to resign, including situations where a termination is reclassified as a resignation. This notice, to be provided on a form prescribed by the department, must inform employees about potential adverse effects on their eligibility for unemployment insurance, health insurance coverage (including COBRA), compensation and benefits like bonuses and retirement contributions, and the possibility of needing to repay employer-provided funds such as tuition or relocation assistance. It also must advise employees about impacts on disability benefits, immigration status, internal grievance procedures, and their ability to pursue legal claims, recommending consultation with an attorney. The notice must also clarify that employees are not required to resign if demanded and that any waiver of these rights is void. Employers must date the form, provide contact information for language assistance and the department, and retain a copy for three years. Failure to provide this notice can result in the resignation being considered an involuntary quit, the employer waiving defenses related to voluntary separation, and civil penalties, including a minimum of $2,000 per violation or twice the amount of any repayment owed by the employee.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8966