New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S02025

Introduced
1/15/25  
Refer
1/15/25  

Caption

Waives Unemployment Pandemic Benefits repayments in whole or in part if the payment of such pandemic unemployment assistance was without fault on the part of the claimant and such repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience.

Summary

Bill S02025 seeks to amend New York's labor law by introducing provisions that allow for the waiving of repayments of unemployment pandemic benefits (UPB) under specific circumstances. The bill defines various types of waivers, including blanket and individual waivers, and establishes a process for the Department of Labor to review overpayments and determine eligibility for waivers. The bill emphasizes that claimants who received UPB without fault should not be burdened with repayment, particularly if such repayment would cause financial hardship or be contrary to equity and good conscience.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the handling of unemployment benefit overpayments in New York. It would provide a framework for waiving repayments for individuals who were not at fault for the overpayments, thus protecting vulnerable claimants from financial distress. The bill would require the Department of Labor to proactively identify eligible claimants for waivers and ensure that communication regarding overpayments is accessible, potentially impacting the administrative processes surrounding unemployment benefits.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S02025 appears to be supportive among its sponsors, who include several senators from various districts. However, there may be concerns from fiscal conservatives regarding the implications of waiving repayments and the potential impact on state resources. Overall, the discussions indicate a recognition of the challenges faced by claimants during the pandemic, leading to a generally favorable view of the bill's intentions.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the definitions of 'without fault' and the criteria for waiving repayments, as some may argue that these provisions could lead to abuse of the system. Additionally, there may be disagreements on the financial implications of the bill, particularly regarding how it would affect state budgets and the management of unemployment funds. Stakeholders may have differing opinions on the balance between protecting claimants and ensuring accountability in the unemployment benefits system.

Companion Bills

NY A05015

Same As Waives Unemployment Pandemic Benefits repayments in whole or in part if the payment of such pandemic unemployment assistance was without fault on the part of the claimant and such repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience.

Previously Filed As

NY A00489

Waives Unemployment Pandemic Benefits repayments in whole or in part if the payment of such pandemic unemployment assistance was without fault on the part of the claimant and such repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience.

NY S01245

Waives Unemployment Pandemic Benefits repayments in whole or in part if the payment of such pandemic unemployment assistance was without fault on the part of the claimant and such repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience.

NY A05015

Waives Unemployment Pandemic Benefits repayments in whole or in part if the payment of such pandemic unemployment assistance was without fault on the part of the claimant and such repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience.

NY HB1156

Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement ActThis bill extends from 5 to 10 years the statute of limitations for federal criminal charges or civil enforcement actions for fraud related to several unemployment insurance programs that were established during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The extension applies to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation, and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation. The bill extends the statute of limitations for (1) criminal charges related to fraud, including aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit fraud; and (2) civil actions involving false claims. However, the bill does not apply to a criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action if the applicable statute of limitations expired before the date of the bill's enactment.Additionally, the bill rescinds specified unobligated funds that were provided in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to the Department of Labor for anti-fraud and program integrity activities.  

NY A09578

Provides that any claimant who has received certain unemployment benefits to which they were not entitled shall not be held liable for the amounts overpaid provided certain conditions exist; directs the department of labor to provide claimants who have previously been denied waivers with applications for individual waivers; repeals certain provisions of law relating thereto.

NY S09841

Provides that any claimant who has received certain unemployment benefits to which they were not entitled shall not be held liable for the amounts overpaid provided certain conditions exist; directs the department of labor to provide claimants who have previously been denied waivers with applications for individual waivers; repeals certain provisions of law relating thereto.

NY A3187

Concerns repayment of unemployment insurance benefits obtained fraudulently.

NY SB1761

Ending Unemployment Payments to Jobless Millionaires Act of 2025

NY SB11

Revises provisions relating to the payment of extended unemployment benefits. (BDR 53-306)

NY H5448

Eliminates the "until June 30, 2025" sunset on the increase in the total amount of earnings a partial-unemployment insurance claimant can receive before being entirely disqualified for unemployment insurance benefits.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.