New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S03460

Introduced
1/27/25  
Refer
1/27/25  
Engrossed
6/11/25  
Refer
6/11/25  
Refer
1/7/26  
Engrossed
4/22/26  
Refer
4/22/26  

Caption

Grants employees access to personnel records; requires notice of negative information in such records and an opportunity for a review; permits employee to include certain information in personnel records.

Summary

Bill S03460 amends the labor law to grant employees access to their personnel records and requires employers to notify employees of any negative information added to these records. The bill defines 'employee' and 'employer', outlines what constitutes a 'personnel record', and mandates that employers provide copies of these records to employees upon request. It also stipulates that employees can submit statements to contest information in their records, and it establishes penalties for employers who violate these provisions.

Impact

The passage of this bill would significantly enhance employee rights in New York by ensuring that they have access to their personnel records and are informed of any negative information that could affect their employment status. This change is expected to lead to greater transparency in employer-employee relationships and may influence how employers maintain and manage personnel records. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for penalties against employers who fail to comply, which could lead to increased accountability.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S03460 appears to be generally supportive among labor advocates and some lawmakers, as it aims to protect employee rights and promote transparency. However, there is some opposition from certain business groups who express concerns about the administrative burden and potential misuse of the access provisions. The voting history shows a majority support in committee and on the Senate floor, indicating a favorable outlook for the bill's passage.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from business representatives regarding the potential for increased litigation and the administrative burden of complying with the new requirements. Some lawmakers argue that the bill may lead to unnecessary disputes between employers and employees over personnel records. Conversely, labor advocates emphasize the importance of employee rights and the need for transparency in the workplace, arguing that the bill is a necessary step in protecting workers.

Companion Bills

NY A02107

Same As Grants employees access to personnel records; requires notice of negative information in such records and an opportunity for a review; permits employee to include certain information in personnel records.

Previously Filed As

NY S00099

Grants employees access to personnel records; requires notice of negative information in such records and an opportunity for a review; permits employee to include certain information in personnel records.

NY A01959

Grants employees access to personnel records; requires notice of negative information in such records and an opportunity for a review; permits employee to include certain information in personnel records.

NY A02107

Grants employees access to personnel records; requires notice of negative information in such records and an opportunity for a review; permits employee to include certain information in personnel records.

NY HB1185

An exemption for information contained in personnel records of public employees and records related to internal investigations by the department of corrections and rehabilitation.

NY SB2350

An exemption from open records for employee performance and discipline records contained in personnel records.

NY SB406

To Require A County Recorder To Verify Certain Information Before Recording A Deed To Real Estate.

NY H7442

Expands the obligations of employers to create, maintain and retain their employees' personnel records, it requires that records be retained for at least 3 years after employee's termination. It also increases the financial penalties for each violation.

NY S2498

Expands the obligations of employers to create, maintain and retain their employees' personnel records, it requires that records be retained for at least 3 years after employee's termination. It also increases the financial penalties for each violation.

NY S04726

Requires agencies and public employers to provide notice and a review period to employees whose personnel records have been provided pursuant to the state's freedom of information law.

NY A05527

Requires agencies and public employers to provide notice and a review period to employees whose personnel records have been provided pursuant to the state's freedom of information law.

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