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Assembly approves labor-law change amid concerns about minors' de‑escalation training
Summary
The Assembly passed a labor-law amendment; an assemblymember voiced concern that proposed de‑escalation training could require minors to confront irate or dangerous customers and urged clear guidance from the Department of Labor.
The New York State Assembly passed a measure amending the labor law on Feb. 4 after the bill was advanced from the calendar and recorded as approved.
The measure (Assembly number 1678, rules report 80) was advanced on a motion by Miss Reyes and carried by the chamber. The clerk announced the recorded vote as "Ayes, 146. Nays, 0." The bill's final section was read on the floor stating: "This act will take effect immediately."
Assemblymember Giglio spoke to explain her vote and expressed concerns about training requirements for minors. She said she remained "concerned about minors being trained on how to deescalate an irate customer" because "the policy on that training doesn't currently exist, so we don't see what it is and whether or not these children are gonna be forced to engage." She emphasized that training content should protect minors and retail workers and urged the commissioner of the Department of Labor to ensure the policy does not direct minors to confront threatening behavior. Despite those concerns, she said she would support the bill.
The floor record does not show that the Assembly amended the bill during debate or that the Department of Labor provided guidance on training content at the time of the vote. The sponsor and staff did not offer additional floor amendments or implementation language during the session.
