Overview
- A bill introduced on January 6 (A.9452/S.8822) would push the law’s effective date to December 19, 2026, if enacted.
- The proposal would narrow coverage from the current broad category of “workers” to only employees.
- A carveout would allow voluntary tuition-repayment for transferable credentials under strict conditions, including a separate written agreement, capped and disclosed costs, prorated repayment, and no repayment after non‑misconduct termination.
- Another carveout would permit repayment of signing or retention bonuses, relocation assistance, or other non‑educational incentives, with protections where the employee was not terminated for misconduct or job duties were misrepresented.
- Until any amendments pass, the law applies to agreements signed on or after December 19, 2025 and is enforced by the NY Department of Labor with $1,000–$5,000 penalties per violation and attorneys’ fees for workers who defeat unlawful notes.