What's happening
This bill prohibits government agencies in New York from denying employment solely because an applicant is recovering from alcohol or substance abuse.
Why it matters
Reduces Stigma in Public Employment. By explicitly prohibiting government agencies from rejecting applicants solely for being in recovery, the bill addresses discrimination and helps normalize recovery as part of a person’s life, potentially encouraging more people to seek help without fear of long-term career consequences.
Expands Job Opportunities for People in Recovery. This measure could help individuals who are recovering from alcohol or substance abuse access stable employment in government roles, improving their chances for economic stability and successful reintegration into society.
Sets a Precedent for Other Employers. Although the bill targets public sector jobs, it could influence attitudes and hiring practices in the private sector, signaling a broader shift toward fair treatment of people in recovery and reinforcing the importance of evaluating candidates based on current qualifications rather than past health issues.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Protect Rights of Recovering Addicts
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to investigations and government operations
- Referred to investigations and government operations
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Ban Recovery Discrimination
In Assembly Committee · Governmental Operations · Sponsor Michael DenDekker
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
5832
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
May 15, 2019
Introduced by Sen. HARCKHAM -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Investigations and Government 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-e to read as follows:
§ 296-e. 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.
LBD07811-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
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
Purpose or general idea of bill
Prior alcohol and/or substance abuse shall not be deemed reasons for rejection of employment when the potential employee has been recovering from such abuse
Summary of specific provisions
The executive law is amended by adding a new section 296-c. "Alcohol abuse" and/or "substance abuse" shall have the same meanings as set forth in section 1.03 of the mental hygiene law.
Justification
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.
Prior legislative history
A3060 of 2017-18: Referred to Governmental Operations. A4799 of 2014 A7997 of 2012
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.