New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A03482

Introduced
1/28/25  
Refer
1/28/25  

Caption

Establishes a civil cause of action for employees who are subjected to an abusive work environment; provides employers shall be vicariously liable for such work environment.

Summary

Bill A03482, known as the New York Workplace Bullying Prevention Act, aims to amend the labor law by establishing a civil cause of action for employees who experience workplace bullying, defined as abusive conduct that creates a hostile work environment. The bill outlines the responsibilities of employers to prevent and address such behavior, as well as the liabilities they face if they fail to do so. It also provides definitions for terms related to abusive conduct, adverse employment actions, and remedies available to affected employees.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would significantly impact state labor laws by introducing legal protections against workplace bullying that are not currently addressed under existing harassment laws. Employers would be held vicariously liable for abusive conduct by their employees, and employees would have the right to seek civil remedies for psychological and physical harm caused by such conduct. This could lead to increased accountability for employers and a potential rise in workplace safety and employee well-being.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A03482 appears to be supportive among its sponsors and advocates who emphasize the need for protections against workplace bullying. However, there may be concerns from some employers regarding the implications of increased liability and the potential for litigation, which could lead to a divided opinion on the bill's overall impact.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential burden placed on employers to prevent and address bullying, as well as concerns about the scope of what constitutes abusive conduct. Some may argue that the definitions provided could lead to subjective interpretations, resulting in increased legal disputes. Additionally, there may be discussions about how this bill interacts with existing collective bargaining agreements and other labor laws.

Companion Bills

NY S01893

Same As Establishes a civil cause of action for employees who are subjected to an abusive work environment; provides employers shall be vicariously liable for such work environment.

Previously Filed As

NY S01753

Establishes a civil cause of action for employees who are subjected to an abusive work environment; employers shall be vicariously liable for such work environment.

NY A03330

Establishes a civil cause of action for employees who are subjected to an abusive work environment; employers shall be vicariously liable for such work environment.

NY S01893

Establishes a civil cause of action for employees who are subjected to an abusive work environment; provides employers shall be vicariously liable for such work environment.

NY H5132

Prohibits psychological abuse in the workplace by employers or co-workers, ensuring a safe environment for employees, provides protection, civil remedies, and penalties for employers based on revenue.

NY H7121

Prohibits psychological abuse in the workplace by employers or co-workers, ensuring a safe environment for employees, provides protection, civil remedies, and penalties for employers based on revenue.

NY SB1250

Providing for legal protections from abusive work environments and for remedies.

NY SB460

Prohibiting abusive work environments and creating a cause of action. (FE)

NY AB476

Prohibiting abusive work environments and creating a cause of action. (FE)

NY S2502

Protects bullying/psychological abuse in workplace inflicted upon employees by employers/co-employees/provides civil remedies to affected employees/fines against employers/imprisonment/fines against co-employees.

NY H8505

Protects bullying/psychological abuse in workplace inflicted upon employees by employers/co-employees/provides civil remedies to affected employees/fines against employers/imprisonment/fines against co-employees.

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HI HB2455

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CA AB1331

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WA HB1162

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KY HB713

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IL SB0223

CD CORR-DOC SAFETY COMMITTEE