BILL NUMBER: S4593
SPONSOR: FAHY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act in relation to directing the New York State Department of Labor
to establish a voluntary training and certification program for employ-
ers entitled the Neurodiversity Training Pledge
 
PURPOSE:
Relates to directing the New York State Department of Labor to establish
a voluntary training and certification program for employers that have
taken the Neurodiversity Training Pledge.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 subdivision (a): Directs the New York State Department of
Labor to establish a voluntary training and certification program for
employers that have taken the Neurodiversity Pledge.
Section 1 subdivision (b): Directs the Department of Labor to develop
and manage the program and establishes the key components and topics to
be included in the training program.
Section 2: Establishes the effective date.
 
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):
B-print amendments provide technical changes and specify that certif-
ication would be awarded to the employer following completion of the
training program. The amendments also allow the Department of Labor to
consult with other groups as deemed necessary in the development of the
program.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Recently new laws have been enacted and initiatives launched to improve
the lives of New Yorkers with disabilities and to enhance their-employ-
ment opportunities. Both the public and private sector are engaged in
these efforts. The success of implementation of these laws and initi-
atives depend in large measure upon neurodiversity training and neurodi-
verse workforce hiring.
The Department of Labor is well-positioned to lead a voluntary program
for businesses that pledge to undertake-neurodiversity training for
their employees and adopt best practices for a neurodiverse workforce.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024 A9131 (Burdick) - reported referred to Rules
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law.