New York Senate Bill S01142

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25
• Engrossed: 3/10/25
• Refer: 3/10/25
• Refer: 1/7/26
• Engrossed: 3/18/26
• Refer: 3/18/26

Caption

Relates to the statute of limitations for actions based on discriminatory practices in employment; establishes action must be commenced within six years.

Summary

S01142 would amend New York’s Civil Practice Law and Rules to add claims based on unlawful discriminatory practices in employment to the list of actions subject to a six-year statute of limitations. In practical terms, it would give workers alleging employment discrimination under Article 15 of the Executive Law up to six years to file a civil action, aligning those claims with other categories already covered by CPLR 213. The bill is narrowly focused on timing and does not change the substantive standards for proving discrimination or the remedies available under state law. It would affect employees, employers, and litigants in employment discrimination cases by extending the window in which claims may be brought, and it would take effect 60 days after becoming law.

Impact

The bill would amend CPLR section 213 by adding a new subdivision 10 for actions based on unlawful discriminatory practice in employment pursuant to Article 15 of the Executive Law. This would place employment discrimination claims within the six-year limitations period for certain civil actions, potentially superseding shorter limitations periods that might otherwise apply depending on the claim and forum. The change would primarily affect employees seeking relief, employers defending claims, and courts handling timeliness disputes in discrimination litigation.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests generally favorable support for the bill, with strong majority approval in both the Senate Judiciary Committee and on the Senate floor. The committee and floor votes indicate that most senators viewed the measure positively, likely because it expands access to the courts for employment discrimination plaintiffs. The absence of transcript excerpts limits insight into detailed debate, but the vote margins show clear overall support.

Contention

The main point of contention appears to be the extension of the filing deadline itself, which can raise concerns about stale claims, evidentiary preservation, and increased litigation exposure for employers. Opponents likely focused on the burden of defending older claims, while supporters likely emphasized fairness and access to justice for workers who may need more time to recognize, document, or act on discriminatory conduct. The recorded nays in committee and on the floor show that some lawmakers objected to the broader exposure period, even though the bill passed comfortably.