New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S04188

Introduced
2/3/25  
Refer
2/3/25  
Engrossed
3/4/25  
Refer
3/5/25  
Engrossed
5/21/25  
Refer
5/22/25  
Refer
1/7/26  
Engrossed
4/20/26  

Caption

Establishes the crime of misappropriation of payroll funds when a person knows that funds are designated for use as employee payroll funds or as payment of payroll taxes, and intentionally prevents the funds from being used for their designated purpose.

Impact

The introduction of S04188 is significant as it targets the integrity of payroll systems and the responsibilities of individuals in charge of employee funds. By classifying the misappropriation of payroll funds as a felony, the legislation underscores the seriousness of such actions and seeks to deter fraudulent behavior affecting employees and their wages. The bill is likely to affect various businesses and payroll processing companies, who would need to ensure compliance with the law to avoid potential legal repercussions.

Summary

Bill S04188 introduced in the New York Senate aims to establish the crime of misappropriation of payroll funds. Under this legislation, an individual would be guilty of this crime if they knowingly prevent designated funds from being used for employee payroll or payroll taxes. The bill emphasizes that any delays in the transfer of funds that are based on appropriate agreements for investigating potential fraudulent transactions shall not be considered misappropriation. This law, if enacted, would create a new section 165.80 under the penal law, categorizing payroll misappropriation as a class E felony.

Contention

While the bill is designed to safeguard employee rights and finances, there could be concerns about its implications for companies that manage payroll. Some stakeholders might argue that the legislation could lead to unintended consequences, particularly if businesses struggle to meet payroll obligations due to legitimate disputes that arise regarding funds. There may also be discussions around the definitions outlined in the bill—specifically what constitutes intentionality in preventing funds from being used as designated. The delineation of responsibilities between employers and payroll processing companies could also spark debate.

Voting_history

S04188 has seen a favorable trajectory in the legislative process, having passed through votes with strong support. It has garnered a unanimous approval with a Senate Floor Vote recording 61 yeas and 0 nays. This strong backing may indicate a consensus on the importance of protecting payroll integrity and addressing potential abuses in payroll management.

Companion Bills

NY A03382

Same As Establishes the crime of misappropriation of payroll funds when a person knows that funds are designated for use as employee payroll funds or as payment of payroll taxes, and intentionally prevents the funds from being used for their designated purpose.

Previously Filed As

NY A03382

Establishes the crime of misappropriation of payroll funds when a person knows that funds are designated for use as employee payroll funds or as payment of payroll taxes, and intentionally prevents the funds from being used for their designated purpose.

NY A03280

Establishes the crime of misappropriation of payroll funds when a person knows that funds are designated for use as employee payroll funds or as payment of payroll taxes, and intentionally prevents the funds from being used for their designated purpose.

NY S04202

Provides for a personal income tax deduction for student loan payments not in excess of five thousand dollars; excludes any payment not in excess of five thousand dollars made by an employer, employee, or on behalf of an employee that is directly deducted from the employee's wages through payroll and administered by a third-party platform that facilitates direct payments to educational institutions or related loan servicers on behalf of students such amount from an employee's New York state gross income; further excludes any contribution not to exceed five thousand dollars to a tuition program under section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code made through payroll deduction and facilitated by an employer or a third-party platform that facilitates direct payments to such programs on behalf of employees from the employee's New York state gross income.

NY A01245

Provides for a personal income tax deduction for student loan payments not in excess of five thousand dollars; excludes any payment not in excess of five thousand dollars made by an employer, employee, or on behalf of an employee that is directly deducted from the employee's wages through payroll and administered by a third-party platform that facilitates direct payments to educational institutions or related loan servicers on behalf of students such amount from an employee's New York state gross income; further excludes any contribution not to exceed five thousand dollars to a tuition program under section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code made through payroll deduction and facilitated by an employer or a third-party platform that facilitates direct payments to such programs on behalf of employees from the employee's New York state gross income.

NY A11086

Establishes the crime of aggravated disorderly conduct; designates such crime as a specified offense for the purposes of hate crimes.

NY SB445

Employment Standards - Firefighters - Payment of Wages and Payroll Information

NY HB532

Employment Standards - Firefighters - Payment of Wages and Payroll Information

NY S09435

Establishes the crime of package theft in the fourth, third, second and first degrees; designates such crimes as a class A misdemeanor, class E felony, class D felony, and class B felony, respectively; provides instances that are not a defense to such crimes; provides for certain defenses to such crimes.

NY SB79

Payment Of Wages; Payroll Card Account

NY SB124

Employment Standards - Firefighters - Payment of Wages and Payroll Information

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.