New York Senate Bill S02313

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25
• Refer: 1/16/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Establishes a leave of absence for veterans on Veterans Day, November 11th.

Summary

Bill S02313 amends the labor law to establish a leave of absence for veterans on Veterans Day, November 11th. Under this bill, any person who qualifies as a veteran may request a leave of absence from their employer on this day, unless the employer can demonstrate that the absence would impose an undue hardship on their business. The bill specifies that employers must receive written documentation identifying the individual as a veteran prior to the leave request, and the leave may be unpaid or charged against other leave entitlements.

Impact

The bill will create a new legal requirement for employers in New York to grant veterans a leave of absence on Veterans Day, thereby enhancing the rights of veterans in the workplace. It will also necessitate amendments to existing labor policies and practices to accommodate this new leave provision. Employers will need to ensure compliance with the documentation requirements and the definition of 'veteran' as outlined in the bill.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S02313 appears to be generally supportive among legislators, as it recognizes the contributions of veterans and aims to provide them with a day of recognition. However, there may be concerns from employers regarding the potential impact on business operations, particularly regarding the definition of 'undue hardship' and how it may be interpreted.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential burden on employers to accommodate veteran leave requests and the ambiguity surrounding what constitutes 'undue hardship.' Some employers may argue that the requirement could disrupt business operations, while proponents of the bill emphasize the importance of honoring veterans and providing them with this day off.