New York Assembly Bill A10769

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/1/26
• Refer: 4/1/26

Caption

Enhances protections for child performer trust accounts; establishes how much gross earnings shall be set aside for such child performer.

Impact

The enactment of A10769 would significantly impact existing state laws regarding child performers' trust accounts and financial protections. It introduces stricter regulations on how much must be saved, which could potentially alter the financial landscape for families engaged in the entertainment sector. The provisions are meant to provide children with financial security, ensuring that they have access to their earnings in a structured manner. These changes reflect ongoing efforts to safeguard vulnerable workers and to promote responsible financial stewardship for minors, potentially influencing industry practices across various artistic and creative sectors.

Summary

A10769 is a new proposed legislation aimed at enhancing protections for child performers in the state of New York. The bill amends the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law as well as the Labor Law to establish child performer trust accounts. It mandates that a certain percentage of gross earnings from a child performer’s employment must be set aside in a trust account. Specifically, it requires employers to transfer a tiered percentage of earnings depending on the amount earned, ensuring that greater earnings lead to a higher proportion being saved for the child. This is designed to protect the financial interests of child performers and their families, addressing concerns about the misuse of funds earned by minors in the entertainment industry.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its protective intent, some stakeholders express concerns about the practical implications of administering the trust accounts and the potential for additional burdens on employers. There may also be debate regarding the percentage requirements for different earnings brackets, with some arguing that the higher rates could dissuade employers from hiring child performers due to increased financial obligations. Advocacy groups may support the measure as a necessary step for safeguarding child welfare, while critics could raise issues regarding its implementation and operational complexities.