Skip to content

New York State Senate Passes NY HERO ACT

New York State Senate Passes NY HERO ACT

March 3, 2021

NFIB Urges Members to Take Action

New York State Senate Passes NY HERO ACT

On Monday, March 1st, the New York State Senate Passed the NY HERO ACT, legislation that would require employers to prevent exposure to airborne illnesses beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. NFIB and other business organizations strongly opposed the legislation, as it would create overly burdensome and costly mandates for small businesses. The bill would potentially require all businesses, including small businesses, to provide personal protective equipment (PPE), cover employee health screenings, provide break times to employees for hand washing, implement strict cleaning and disinfecting protocols, allow flexible working hours, meeting and travel options, and reconfiguring workspaces, and establish a safety committee. The legislation also allows employees to sue employers for noncompliance, creating a new avenue for frivolous lawsuits against small businesses.

At a time when small businesses are still fighting for survival, now is not the time for an extensive new regulatory framework for employers, exposure to punitive actions, and new cost burdens. New York’s legislators should prioritize small business relief to ensure our recovery starts with Main Street.

The legislation has been introduced in the Assembly and is currently in the Assembly Labor Committee awaiting action. NFIB urges all members to take action by contacting their legislators. Your elected officials need to hear directly from you – the small business owner!

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Receive our newsletter and email notification
Knowledge is power. Let us help you stay informed with breaking legislative news, regulatory updates, business tips, and more.

Related Articles

United States Capitol US Capitol Congress Washington DC
July 1, 2025
ICYMI: NFIB Georgia Director On Why Congress Needs to Make the…
Congress is voting on the legislation that includes the measure this week.
Read More
June 30, 2025
What Happened in Phoenix for Arizona Small Business Owners Duri…
A look at the small business victories achieved during the 2025 Arizona Leg…
Read More
Hand of a person casting a vote into the ballot box during elections
June 27, 2025
New York Primary Election Recap
Voters across New York cast their ballots on Tuesday, June 24, during the…
Read More
The New York State Capitol Building in Albany, home of the New York State Assembly.
June 27, 2025
New York Capitol Update
The Legislature has tentatively discussed returning this fall for a special…
Read More

© 2001 - 2025 National Federation of Independent Business. All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Accessibility