New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S02131

Introduced
1/15/25  
Refer
1/15/25  

Caption

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.

Summary

Bill S02131 aims to amend various laws in New York to enhance protections for employees regarding wage claims. It introduces the concept of an 'employee's lien,' allowing employees to place a lien on their employer's property for unpaid wages. This bill also establishes that the ten largest shareholders of non-publicly traded corporations can be held personally liable for wage theft, thereby providing a direct recourse for employees against individuals who may benefit from corporate structures that evade wage obligations. Additionally, it streamlines the process for employees to file complaints and seek damages for wage violations, including provisions for liquidated damages and penalties.

Impact

The bill significantly alters the landscape of wage enforcement in New York by providing employees with stronger tools to claim unpaid wages. It modifies the lien law to include employee liens, which can be enforced against both real and personal property. This change is expected to empower employees and deter employers from committing wage theft, as it introduces personal liability for shareholders, thereby increasing accountability within corporate structures. The bill also enhances the rights of employees to seek redress through the courts and administrative bodies.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S02131 appears to be largely supportive among labor advocates and employee rights groups, who view it as a necessary step toward combating wage theft and protecting workers' rights. However, there may be concerns from business groups regarding the implications of personal liability for shareholders and the potential for increased litigation, which could affect business operations and costs.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the personal liability imposed on shareholders of non-publicly traded corporations, which some argue could discourage investment and complicate corporate governance. Additionally, there may be debates over the balance between protecting employee rights and ensuring that businesses can operate without excessive legal burdens. Stakeholders in the business community may express concerns about the potential for increased litigation and the impact on small businesses.

Companion Bills

NY A00166

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

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 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 A04994

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 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 H5678

Requires small employers with one to fifty (1-50) employees and large employers with fifty (50) or more employees to pay overtime wages to exempt workers if their salary exceeds varying multipliers of minimum wage for a forty (40) hour workweek.

NY S0589

Requires small employers with one to fifty (1-50) employees and large employers with fifty (50) or more employees to pay overtime wages to exempt workers if their salary exceeds varying multipliers of minimum wage for a forty (40) hour workweek.

NY S2166

Requires small employers with one to fifty (1-50) employees and large employers with fifty (50) or more employees to pay overtime wages to exempt workers if their salary exceeds varying multipliers of minimum wage for a forty (40) hour workweek.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.