New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S10009

Introduced
4/22/26  

Caption

Prohibits adverse employment action where an employee renders first aid or emergency treatment unless it is established that such employee was grossly negligent in providing such first aid or emergency treatment.

Impact

The enactment of S10009 would strengthen workplace protections for employees who take initiative to help in emergency situations, thereby potentially increasing the number of individuals willing to provide life-saving assistance without hesitation. By legally safeguarding these actions from adverse employment consequences, the bill aims to foster a culture of community support and responsiveness among employees in various sectors, both public and private. This change is anticipated to positively impact not only employees but also the safety and well-being of the community at large.

Summary

Bill S10009 proposes to amend the public health law in the State of New York, specifically addressing employment protections for individuals who provide first aid or emergency treatment outside of medical facilities. The bill prohibits any adverse employment action against employees who voluntarily render assistance during emergencies, ensuring that they cannot face disciplinary measures or alterations in employment terms unless it is proven that they acted with gross negligence. This provision aims to encourage individuals to assist those in need without fear of workplace repercussions.

Contention

While the bill has clear benefits, there may be contention regarding the definition of 'gross negligence' and how it would be applied in cases where adverse actions are challenged. Opponents may argue that employers should have the right to evaluate the actions of their employees, particularly in potentially liability-inducing situations. There could be concerns about how this might affect workplace policies on training and ensuring safety standards, as well as debates on the balance between protecting employee actions and safeguarding employers from undue legal liability.

Companion Bills

NY A10765

Same As Prohibits adverse employment action where an employee renders first aid or emergency treatment unless it is established that such employee was grossly negligent in providing such first aid or emergency treatment.

Previously Filed As

NY A10765

Prohibits adverse employment action where an employee renders first aid or emergency treatment unless it is established that such employee was grossly negligent in providing such first aid or emergency treatment.

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 A08132

Defines temporary total disability as the injured employee's inability to perform such employee's pre-injury employment duties or any modified employment offered by the employer that is consistent with such employee's disability.

NY S3108

Prohibits certain employment actions against employees affected by a declared state of emergency.

NY A465

Prohibits certain employment actions against employees affected by a declared state of emergency.

NY S10147

Restricts the use by an employer or an employment agency of electronic monitoring or an automated employment decision tool to screen a candidate or employee for an employment decision unless such tool has been the subject of an impact assessment within the last year; requires notice to employment candidates of the use of such tools; provides remedies for violations.

NY A03779

Restricts the use by an employer or an employment agency of electronic monitoring or an automated employment decision tool to screen a candidate or employee for an employment decision unless such tool has been the subject of an impact assessment within the last year; requires notice to employment candidates of the use of such tools; provides remedies for violations.

NY S00185

Restricts the use by an employer or an employment agency of electronic monitoring or an automated employment decision tool to screen a candidate or employee for an employment decision unless such tool has been the subject of an impact assessment within the last year; requires notice to employment candidates of the use of such tools; provides remedies for violations.

NY A10041

Authorizes education-related dual employment for employees of certain schools offering special education services; prohibits certain anti-competitive actions that would impact such schools.

NY SB744

Labor; prohibiting employers from taking certain adverse actions against certain employees. Effective date. Emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.