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State Senate Labor Committee advances six worker-protection bills to finance or the calendar
Summary
The New York State Senate Labor Committee, chaired by State Senator Jessica Ramos, moved six bills addressing short-term disability, employer notice duties, unemployment determinations, workers' compensation communications, recognition of Lyme disease as occupational, and employer benefit-disclosure rules; most were reported to the calendar and one to finance.
State Senator Jessica Ramos, chair of the New York State Senate Labor Committee, opened the committee's first meeting of the 2026 legislative session and said the panel advanced six bills aimed at strengthening worker protections and transparency.
"The dignity of labor is a standard that we are trying to write into the law," Ramos said, outlining priorities the committee will pursue this year, including fair hiring, clearer benefits and systems that work when people are hurt or caring for family.
The committee took unanimous or voice votes to move six measures: one bill was reported to the finance committee and five were reported to the Senate calendar. None of the measures drew extended debate during the session; most were presented, moved and advanced by voice vote.
Key bills advanced
- S.172 (by Senator Ronald): Amends insurance-related provisions of the workers' compensation framework to increase short-term disability benefits. The committee moved the bill and reported it to the finance committee for further review.
- S.496 (by Senator Natalia Fernandez): Would amend the labor law to clarify the commissioner's duty to ensure employers inform employees about certain provisions and employment contracts. Senator Chris Ryan moved the bill; the committee reported it to the calendar.
- S.2076 (by Senator Mayer): Would require that notices of initial determinations for unemployment benefits be provided to claimants. The committee moved the bill and reported it to the calendar.
- S.4518 (by Senator Jessica Ramos): Proposes changes to the workers' compensation law governing communications between a claimant's attorney or representative and an injured employee's treating provider or medical consultant. The committee moved the bill and reported it to the calendar.
- S.4816 (by Senator Chris Ryan): Would include Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases as occupational diseases for workers' compensation purposes. The committee moved the bill and reported it to the calendar.
- S.5990-B (by Senator Jessica Ramos): Would require employers to disclose information about benefits and other compensation, including bonuses, stock options and commissions. The committee moved the bill and reported it to the calendar.
What happens next
Bills reported to finance will receive additional fiscal review; bills reported to the calendar are placed for consideration by the full Senate. Chair Ramos said the panel's measure of success this session is "fewer workers in crisis across New York" because systems worked before help was needed.
Ranking Member Senator Rhodes spoke briefly at the close of the meeting, saying he looks forward to working with the panel to protect workers and advance labor causes. The committee adjourned without scheduling votes or amendments publicly recorded on any specific bill during this meeting.
