New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07993

Introduced
5/15/25  
Refer
5/15/25  

Caption

Requires public and not-for-profit libraries to implement risk evaluations and determinations, workplace trainings, and other measures for the prevention of workplace violence.

Impact

The impact of S07993 on state law is significant as it introduces new requirements specifically targeted at improving safety protocols within libraries. This means that libraries will need to allocate resources towards training and implementing the necessary systems to protect their employees. Moreover, the establishment of clear guidelines for what constitutes workplace violence and proactive measures to mitigate these risks will contribute to a more secure working environment for library staff, thereby promoting their wellbeing. Such legislation may also serve as a model for similar provisions in other sectors where employees face safety risks.

Summary

Bill S07993, aimed at enhancing safety for library employees across the state of New York, mandates that both public and not-for-profit libraries develop and implement comprehensive workplace violence prevention programs. As part of this law, libraries are required to conduct risk evaluations, provide proper training for their employees, and install panic buttons for immediate access to law enforcement in case of emergencies. The bill underscores the importance of employee safety within library settings, which are often open to the public and can be vulnerable to various forms of workplace violence.

Contention

While S07993 is largely supported as a necessary measure to safeguard library employees, there may be challenges regarding the implementation of the required policies, especially in terms of funding for training and technology (e.g., installation of panic buttons). Some stakeholders may express concerns regarding the administrative burden placed on smaller libraries that might lack the financial resources to comply fully with the new standards. The balance between ensuring a safe working environment and managing operational costs will likely be a central point of discussion as the bill moves through the legislative process.

Companion Bills

NY A06903

Same As Requires public and not-for-profit libraries to implement risk evaluations and determinations, workplace trainings, and other measures for the prevention of workplace violence.

Previously Filed As

NY A06903

Requires public and not-for-profit libraries to implement risk evaluations and determinations, workplace trainings, and other measures for the prevention of workplace violence.

NY AB1163

Employees: workplace violence prevention plans: topics and trainings.

NY A00203

Requires hospitals to establish a violence prevention program which includes a workplace safety and security assessment and develop a safety and security plan that addresses identified workplace violence threats or hazards.

NY S05294

Requires hospitals to establish a violence prevention program which includes a workplace safety and security assessment and develop a safety and security plan that addresses identified workplace violence threats or hazards.

NY A08223

Expands the scope of duties for public employers to prevent workplace violence including additional training, the creation of incident logs, expanding inspections and providing the commissioner the ability to enforce such provisions to prevent workplace violence.

NY S07658

Expands the scope of duties for public employers to prevent workplace violence including additional training, the creation of incident logs, expanding inspections and providing the commissioner the ability to enforce such provisions to prevent workplace violence.

NY S484

Workplace Violence Prevention/Mass Picketing

NY HB05236

An Act Concerning Workplace Health, Safety And Violence Prevention For Public Transit Workers.

NY S1718

Requiring health care employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence

NY H2655

Requiring health care employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence

Similar Bills

CA SB238

An act to add Part 5.

HI HB2455

Relating To Employment Practices.

OR SB537

Relating to violence in health care settings.

HI SB3186

Relating To Employment Practices.

IL SB0223

CD CORR-DOC SAFETY COMMITTEE

KY HB713

AN ACT relating to workplace violence against health care professionals.

LA SB223

Establishes the Retail Service Worker Health and Safety Act. (8/1/25) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

NC H351

Recovery-Friendly Workplace Program/Funds