New York State Legislation Triggers Additional Employer Obligations

Amendments to the New York State Human Rights Law ("NYSHRL") have expanded both the scope of protection afforded employees and the potential costs of violations by employers. The amendments add "domestic violence victim status" to the list of characteristics upon which employers may not discriminate and impose new civil penalties for violations. 

 

Amendments to New York State's Minimum Wage Orders and Labor Law affect both current employees and new hires and will require most employers in the state to review and modify their employee compensation practices, including a new obligations regarding notice of wages.  

 

 

 

Amendments to New York State Health Insurance Laws affect nearly all insured group health plans in the state. Amendments to the "mini-COBRA" law extend the required continuation period following a termination of employment to 36 months and an additional Insurance Law amendment requires insurers to permit coverage of dependent children through age 29.