New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A10296

Introduced
2/20/26  

Caption

Requires employers to provide leave of absence of at least five days for every 12 month period for an employee to use for menopause symptoms; requires the commissioner of labor, in consultation with the commissioner of health, to develop workplace guidance relating to menopause.

Impact

The bill's enactment would advance workplace equity by formally recognizing menopause as a legitimate health concern that may require time off work. This could have a significant impact on workplace culture, encouraging more inclusive practices that accommodate women's health needs. By mandating leave, A10296 would ensure that employees are not forced to choose between their health and their job, ideally leading to better job satisfaction and retention rates among employees affected by menopause symptoms.

Summary

Bill A10296 aims to amend New York's labor law to require employers to provide at least five days of paid leave to employees experiencing symptoms related to menopause within any twelve-month period. This provision seeks to address the health and workplace challenges faced by those going through menopause, underlining the importance of supportive workplace policies for women's health issues. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes that employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who request or take this leave, thus safeguarding employees' rights during a potentially vulnerable time.

Contention

While the bill seeks to provide necessary support, it may also raise concerns among some employers about the implications for workforce management and productivity. Critics may argue that adding mandated leave can burden small businesses and complicate staffing and payroll processes. However, supporters emphasize the fundamental importance of health-related leave, arguing that it may ultimately benefit employers by fostering a more content and productive workforce. The bill reflects a growing recognition of workplace policies that support health, particularly concerning gender-specific health issues that have historically been overlooked.

Companion Bills

NY S09247

Same As Requires employers to provide leave of absence of at least five days for every 12 month period for an employee to use for menopause symptoms; requires the commissioner of labor, in consultation with the commissioner of health, to develop workplace guidance relating to menopause.

Previously Filed As

NY S09247

Requires employers to provide leave of absence of at least five days for every 12 month period for an employee to use for menopause symptoms; requires the commissioner of labor, in consultation with the commissioner of health, to develop workplace guidance relating to menopause.

NY A10295

Requires employers to provide a leave of absence of at least four hours for every 12 month period for an employee to use for preventative health care measures.

NY S09245

Requires employers to provide a leave of absence of at least four hours for every 12 month period for an employee to use for preventative health care measures.

NY A10297

Requires employers to provide a leave of absence of at least four hours for every 12 month period for an employee to use for colon cancer screenings.

NY S09246

Requires employers to provide a leave of absence of at least four hours for every 12 month period for an employee to use for colon cancer screenings.

NY A08542

Enacts the menopause awareness improvement act; establishes a menopause education program; establishes course work or training in menopausal health; directs the commissioner of labor to conduct a study on the impact of menopause on the workforce.

NY S07495

Enacts the menopause awareness improvement act; establishes a menopause education program; establishes course work or training in menopausal health; directs the commissioner of labor to conduct a study on the impact of menopause on the workforce.

NY A10270

Relates to providing five days of paid leave for menopause.

NY S09244

Relates to providing five days of paid leave for menopause.

NY A05436

Relates to preventing discrimination and increasing awareness of rights for employees with menstrual-related conditions, perimenopausal-related conditions and menopausal-related conditions; requires employers to provide employees with an informational pamphlet on any regulations relating to the rights of employees.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.