Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits New York employers' use of promissory notes to require employees to repay amounts if they leave their job.

Highlights:

• Prohibits any employer from requiring any worker or prospective worker to execute an employment promissory note that requires the worker to pay the employer if they leave employment before a stated time (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that this Section does not prohibit an agreement between a worker and employer that (Sec. 2):

• Requires the worker to repay any sums advanced by the employer, unless used to pay for work-related training;

• Requires the worker to pay the employer for any property it has sold or leased to them;

• Requires educational personnel to comply with any terms or conditions of sabbatical leave; or

• Is entered into as part of a program agreed to by the employer and its workers’ collective bargaining representative.

• Establishes a fine of $1,000-$5,000 for each violation of this Section by an employer (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes a worker or prospective worker to bring an action against an employer who violates this Section to recover the greater amount of the actual damages incurred or $5,000 (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that this Act takes effect upon passage (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text