What's happening
This bill prohibits government agencies in New York from denying employment to individuals solely because they are recovering from alcohol or substance abuse.
Why it matters
Expands employment protections. This law would ensure that individuals recovering from alcohol or substance abuse are not automatically disqualified from government jobs, which could help reduce stigma and allow more people to re-enter the workforce after seeking help.
Applies broadly to all levels of government. The definition of "government agency" is expansive, covering state, county, city, town, village, public authorities, and educational institutions, meaning the impact would be felt across a wide range of public sector employment opportunities.
Clarifies legal definitions and protections. By referencing definitions in the mental hygiene law, the bill ensures consistency in how "alcohol abuse" and "substance abuse" are understood, potentially making it easier for affected individuals to know their rights and for agencies to comply.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Protect Rights for Recovering Addicts
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to governmental operations
- Referred to governmental operations
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3060
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 26, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. DenDEKKER -- read once and referred to the Committee on Governmental Operations
AN ACT to amend the executive law, in relation to unlawful discriminatory practices by government agencies relating to persons recovering from alcohol and/or substance abuse
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The executive law is amended by adding a new section 296-d to read as follows:
§ 296-d. Unlawful discriminatory practices by government agencies relating to persons recovering from alcohol and/or substance abuse. 1. For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Government agency" shall mean any department, division, board, bureau, commission, office, agency, correctional facility, authority or public corporation of the state or a county, city, town or village government or any other instrumentality of local government or public educational institution.
(b) "Alcohol abuse" and/or "substance abuse" shall have the same meanings as set forth in section 1.03 of the mental hygiene law.
2. It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for a government agency employer to deny employment to a prospective employee solely on the basis that such prospective employee is recovering from alcohol and/or substance abuse.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD08444-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.