New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A04994

Introduced
2/10/25  
Refer
2/10/25  

Caption

Provides grounds for attachment; relates to procedures where employees may hold shareholders of non-publicly traded corporations personally liable for wage theft; relates to rights for victims of wage theft to hold the ten members with the largest ownership interests in a company personally liable for wage theft; relates to penalties for certain wage violations.

Summary

Bill A04994 aims to amend various laws in New York regarding wage theft and the accountability of corporate shareholders and members. It introduces provisions that allow employees to hold shareholders of non-publicly traded corporations personally liable for wage theft, as well as the ten members with the largest ownership interests in limited liability companies. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of wage claims to include various forms of unpaid wages and establishes procedures for attachment in cases of wage claims, facilitating quicker access to owed wages for employees. The bill also enhances the rights of employees to inspect corporate records relevant to their wage claims.

Impact

If enacted, A04994 will significantly alter the landscape of labor law in New York by increasing the liability of shareholders and members of corporations and limited liability companies for wage-related claims. This change aims to provide greater protections for employees against wage theft, making it easier for them to pursue claims and hold corporate leaders accountable. The bill's provisions will also streamline the process for employees to access information regarding their claims, potentially leading to more successful recoveries of owed wages.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A04994 appears to be supportive among labor advocates and employee rights groups, who view it as a necessary step towards combating wage theft and ensuring fair treatment of workers. However, there may be concerns from business groups regarding the increased liability and potential financial implications for shareholders and corporate members, which could lead to opposition from those sectors.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential burden placed on small business owners and shareholders who may be held personally liable for wage theft claims. Critics argue that this could discourage investment and complicate business operations, while proponents assert that it is essential for protecting workers' rights and ensuring accountability in the corporate sector.

Companion Bills

NY S04611

Same As Provides grounds for attachment; relates to procedures where employees may hold shareholders of non-publicly traded corporations personally liable for wage theft; relates to rights for victims of wage theft to hold the ten members with the largest ownership interests in a company personally liable for wage theft; relates to penalties for certain wage violations.

Previously Filed As

NY S04611

Provides grounds for attachment; relates to procedures where employees may hold shareholders of non-publicly traded corporations personally liable for wage theft; relates to rights for victims of wage theft to hold the ten members with the largest ownership interests in a company personally liable for wage theft; relates to penalties for certain wage violations.

NY A00046

Relates to securing payment of wages for work already performed; creates a lien remedy for all employees; provides grounds for attachment; relates to procedures where employees may hold shareholders of non-publicly traded corporations personally liable for wage theft; relates to rights for victims of wage theft to hold the ten members with the largest ownership interests in a company personally liable for wage theft.

NY S01977

Relates to securing payment of wages for work already performed; creates a lien remedy for all employees; provides grounds for attachment; relates to procedures where employees may hold shareholders of non-publicly traded corporations personally liable for wage theft; relates to rights for victims of wage theft to hold the ten members with the largest ownership interests in a company personally liable for wage theft.

NY A00166

Relates to securing payment of wages for work already performed; creates a lien remedy for all employees; provides grounds for attachment; relates to procedures where employees may hold shareholders of non-publicly traded corporations personally liable for wage theft; relates to rights for victims of wage theft to hold the ten members with the largest ownership interests in a company personally liable for wage theft.

NY S02131

Relates to securing payment of wages for work already performed; creates a lien remedy for all employees; provides grounds for attachment; relates to procedures where employees may hold shareholders of non-publicly traded corporations personally liable for wage theft; relates to rights for victims of wage theft to hold the ten members with the largest ownership interests in a company personally liable for wage theft.

NY A10740

Provides for owner liability related to construction industry wage theft.

NY HB669

Relating to a database of employers penalized for failure to pay wages or convicted of certain criminal offenses involving wage theft.

NY SB151

Relating to wage theft.

NY SB227

Relating to wage theft.

NY SB487

Providing for notification of wage theft and for protection for employees who report wage theft; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; establishing the Wage Theft Notification and Protection Restricted Account; and imposing penalties and other relief.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.