New York has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 660) that prohibits discrimination based on reproductive health decisions. Senate Bill 660 is effective immediately.
Employer Prohibitions:
Under Senate Bill 660, employers are prohibited from discriminating or retaliating against employees, and their dependents, based on their reproductive health decisions. Additionally, employers are prohibited from:
· Accessing an employee’s or their dependent’s personal information regarding reproductive health decisions without the employee’s prior written consent, including the decision to use or access a particular drug, device, or medical service; and
· Requiring an employee to sign a waiver that purports to deny them the right to make their own reproductive health decisions.
Written Notice:
An employer that provides an employee handbook to its employees must include a notice of employee rights and remedies under the law.
Compliance Recommendations:
Employers should update their policies and procedures and train supervisors to comply with Senate Bill 660. Please contact your dedicated service professional with any questions.