New York Senate Bill S02271

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25
• Refer: 1/16/25
• Engrossed: 6/9/25
• Refer: 6/9/25
• Refer: 1/7/26
• Engrossed: 3/9/26
• Refer: 3/9/26

Caption

Prohibits an employer, licensing agency or employment agency from requesting or requiring that a prospective employee disclose their age, date of birth or date of graduation from an educational institution on an initial employment application or during an interview, except in the case of a bona fide occupational qualification or need.

Summary

Bill S02271 seeks to amend the executive law in New York by prohibiting employers, licensing agencies, and employment agencies from requesting or requiring prospective employees to disclose their age, date of birth, or date of graduation from an educational institution during the initial application process or interviews. The only exception to this rule would be in cases where such information is deemed necessary for a bona fide occupational qualification or need. This legislation aims to combat age discrimination in hiring practices and promote equal opportunities for all job applicants, regardless of age.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the hiring practices of employers and agencies in New York by restricting the information they can request from job applicants. It would amend Section 296 of the executive law, reinforcing protections against age discrimination and potentially leading to a more diverse workforce. Employers would need to revise their application processes and training for hiring personnel to comply with these new requirements, which could also influence the broader employment landscape in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S02271 appears to be generally supportive among its proponents, who argue that it is a necessary step toward eliminating age discrimination in the workplace. However, there is some opposition, particularly from those who express concerns about the potential implications for employers needing to verify qualifications that may correlate with age, such as experience levels. The voting history reflects a mixed response, with some committee votes showing a clear majority in favor, while final floor votes indicate a more divided opinion among senators.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from some legislators about the balance between protecting job applicants from discrimination and the need for employers to have relevant information about candidates' qualifications. Critics argue that age and graduation dates can sometimes be relevant to assessing a candidate's experience and suitability for certain positions. Proponents of the bill counter that such information is often used to discriminate against older applicants and that the focus should be on skills and qualifications rather than age-related data.