New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S00372

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  
Report Pass
3/3/25  
Engrossed
3/4/25  
Refer
3/5/25  
Engrossed
6/12/25  
Refer
6/12/25  
Refer
1/7/26  
Engrossed
2/11/26  

Caption

Establishes the "no severance ultimatums act", which prevents employers from giving coercive ultimatums to employees or former employees relating to severance agreements.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will significantly alter the framework of severance agreements in New York. It establishes a more equitable negotiation process, allowing employees to make informed decisions without the pressure of coercive ultimatums. This legislation is expected to foster a culture of fairness in employee-employer negotiations, ensuring that employees are not unfairly pressured into accepting severance agreements that may limit their rights or claims against the employer.

Summary

Bill S00372, known as the 'No Severance Ultimatums Act,' is aimed at protecting employees from coercive practices by employers related to severance agreements. The legislation introduces new definitions and provisions in New York's labor law, specifically outlining the rights of employees when presented with severance agreements. It mandates that employers must inform employees of their right to consult an attorney, provide a minimum consideration period of twenty-one days for the employee to contemplate the agreement, and establish a seven-day revocation period during which the employee can withdraw their agreement without penalty.

Contention

Notably, the bill may face opposition from business groups and employers who might argue that the requirements could complicate the severance negotiation process, making it more cumbersome for companies. There is concern regarding the implications this could have on employers' ability to efficiently manage layoffs and other separations, particularly in times of economic downturn. However, advocates for the bill emphasize the importance of protecting employees from undue influence and coercion, framing the legislation as a necessary enhancement of labor rights.

Companion Bills

NY A06480

Same As Establishes the "no severance ultimatums act", which prevents employers from giving coercive ultimatums to employees or former employees relating to severance agreements.

Previously Filed As

NY A06480

Establishes the "no severance ultimatums act", which prevents employers from giving coercive ultimatums to employees or former employees relating to severance agreements.

NY S07453

Provides protection to employees and former employees from retaliatory actions by employers for the reporting of illegal or dangerous business activities.

NY A07781

Removes the exclusion of part-time employees from certain definitions relating to employment and expanding the definition of employer; removes certain exclusions for employer notice requirements for the closing of a facility; removes the discretionary reduction of penalties for employers for certain acts or omissions concerning notice requirements for mass layoffs, relocations or employment loss; removes the maximum time period for determining back pay and other liabilities for certain employees who experience employment loss; allows the attorney general to take certain action to assist certain employees in receiving back pay and other liabilities; requires employers to pay severance to employees when there is a plant closing, relocation, or mass layoff.

NY A00368

Relates to requiring employers to obtain an acknowledgement of receipt from employees of their sexual harassment prevention policy and sexual harassment prevention training program in writing in English and in employees' primary languages; requires employers to obtain acknowledgements from employees and keep such acknowledgements for six years.

NY S10057

Relates to requiring employers to obtain an acknowledgement of receipt from employees of their sexual harassment prevention policy and sexual harassment prevention training program in writing in English and in employees' primary languages; requires employers to obtain acknowledgements from employees and keep such acknowledgements for six years.

NY S07437

Prohibits agreements between employers that directly restrict the current or future employment of any employee; allows for a cause of action against employers who engage in such agreements.

NY A02456

Prohibits employers from requiring low-wage employees to enter into covenants not to compete; requires employers to notify potential employees of any requirement to enter into a covenant not to compete.

NY SB2237

Relating to severance pay for certain political subdivision employees.

NY HB2285

Provides for mandatory severance for employees terminated in certain layoffs

NY A4414

Immunizes employers from civil liability for certain disclosures regarding employees and former employees.

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