New York Senate Bill S04985

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/25
• Refer: 2/14/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Requires certain companies and corporations to report certain data regarding the gender, race and ethnicity of their employees.

Summary

Bill S04985 amends the business corporation law and the limited liability company law in New York to require certain corporations and limited liability companies to report data regarding the gender, race, and ethnicity of their employees. Specifically, corporations that are required to file an employer information report EEO-1 with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission must also submit a copy of this report to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State is tasked with publishing this data on their official website within ninety days of receipt.

Impact

The bill will enhance transparency regarding workforce diversity in New York by mandating that specific companies disclose demographic information about their employees. This could lead to increased accountability for corporations and limited liability companies in their hiring practices and diversity initiatives. The publication of this data may also influence public perception and consumer behavior towards these companies.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around Bill S04985 appears to be supportive among advocates for diversity and inclusion, as it aims to promote transparency in employment practices. However, there may be concerns from some business groups regarding the administrative burden of compliance and potential privacy issues related to employee data.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from business organizations that argue against the additional reporting requirements, citing concerns about the complexity and cost of compliance. On the other hand, proponents of the bill, including diversity advocates and labor organizations, emphasize the importance of such data in addressing systemic inequalities in the workplace.