New York Budget Bill Employment Laws

At A Glance

• The New York 2024-2025 Budget Bill contains several employment-related provisions.
  • Paid breaks for breast milk expression (effective June 19, 2024)
  • Paid prenatal leave (effective January 1, 2025)
  • COVID-19 sick leave ends  (effective July 31, 2025)

Introduction

New York Governor, Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill S8306A (a.k.a., the FY 2024-2025 Budget Bill), which contained three notable provisions for New York employers.

Paid Breaks for Breast Milk Expression

Effective June 19, 2024, the breast milk expression break requirements are amended to require that all employers provide nursing mothers with 30-minute paid breaks during the workday to express milk. No employer shall discriminate in any way against an employee who chooses to express breast milk in the workplace.

Paid Prenatal Leave

Beginning January 1, 2025, all employers who are required to provide paid sick and safe leave will also be required to provide 20 hours of paid prenatal leave for each 12-month benefit period. The leave can be taken in hourly increments during pregnancy-related medical appointments, procedures, tests, and discussions with healthcare providers. Employees must be paid at their regular rate of pay when using this leave.

Note: This leave is separate from the existing 40 or 56 hours (depending on employer size) of paid sick and safe leave mandated by New York State law.

COVID-19 Sick Leave Ends

Effective July 31, 2025, employers are no longer required to provide employees with specific COVID-19 related sick leave. Employers must continue to provide leave for the remainder of 2024 and the first half of 2025. 

Next Steps

Employers should review their current policies to ensure compliance before any applicable effective dates.

Thank you for choosing Paylocity as your Payroll Tax and HCM partner. This information is provided as a courtesy, may change, and is not intended as legal or tax guidance. Employers with questions or concerns outside the scope of a Payroll Service Provider are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified CPA, Tax Attorney or Advisor.