New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A05860

Introduced
2/24/25  
Refer
2/24/25  
Report Pass
5/28/25  
Refer
5/28/25  
Report Pass
6/13/25  
Refer
6/13/25  

Caption

Relates to the right to unemployment benefits based on employment with certain educational institutions, including the state university of New York, the city university of New York and public community colleges; clarifies the meaning of certain terms relating to such rights to unemployment benefits.

Summary

Bill A05860 amends the New York labor law concerning unemployment benefits for employees of certain educational institutions, including the State University of New York, the City University of New York, and public community colleges. It clarifies the definition of a 'contract to perform services' and establishes criteria for determining 'reasonable assurance' of continued employment. The bill aims to ensure that unemployment benefits are fairly administered based on the employment status of educational professionals during academic breaks and between terms.

Impact

The bill modifies existing labor law provisions to provide clearer guidelines on eligibility for unemployment benefits for educational professionals. It repeals previous definitions and introduces new criteria that must be met for a claimant to qualify for benefits. This change could potentially affect the financial security of educational employees during non-teaching periods, as it emphasizes the need for enforceable contracts and reasonable assurances of future employment.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A05860 appears to be largely favorable, as indicated by unanimous votes in committee discussions. The bill has consistently received support from committee members, suggesting a strong consensus on the need for clarity in unemployment benefit eligibility for educational professionals.

Contention

While there seems to be broad support for the bill, points of contention may arise regarding the interpretation of 'reasonable assurance' and the criteria for what constitutes a valid contract. Some stakeholders may argue that the new requirements could make it more difficult for educational employees to claim benefits, particularly those in non-tenured or contingent positions.

Companion Bills

NY S05623

Same As Relates to the right to unemployment benefits based on employment with certain educational institutions, including the state university of New York, the city university of New York and public community colleges; clarifies the meaning of certain terms relating to such rights to unemployment benefits.

Previously Filed As

NY S05623

Relates to the right to unemployment benefits based on employment with certain educational institutions, including the state university of New York, the city university of New York and public community colleges; clarifies the meaning of certain terms relating to such rights to unemployment benefits.

NY A07400

Implements a students' bill of rights for city university of New York institutions to guarantee certain rights to students at such institutions.

NY A10650

Implements a students' bill of rights for city university of New York institutions to guarantee certain rights to students at such institutions.

NY S02047

Relates to the term "reportable business relationship" as it relates to certain employees of the state university of New York and the city university of New York.

NY A00617

Relates to the term "reportable business relationship" as it relates to certain employees of the state university of New York and the city university of New York.

NY S03606

Modifies the term "reportable business relationship" as it relates to certain employees of the state university of New York and the city university of New York where their only form of state employment is with the state university of New York or city university of New York.

NY SB1950

Relating to the eligibility of certain individuals for unemployment benefits and the validity of certain claims for unemployment benefits submitted to the Texas Workforce Commission.

NY SB8

Modifies the duration of unemployment benefits based on the unemployment rate

NY S09536

Establishes a community garden grant program for all state university of New York and city university of New York campuses.

NY HB1849

Modifies the duration of unemployment benefits based on the unemployment rate

Similar Bills

CA AB850

Institutional Debt Transparency Act.

NJ A2359

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

NJ S1480

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

CA AB2771

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

NJ S1504

Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.

NJ A2133

Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.

TX HB5180

Relating to the issuance of a diploma to a student graduating from a public institution of higher education that has undergone a merger, acquisition, or name change.

CA AB1098

California Education Interagency Council.