BILL NUMBER: S8674
SPONSOR: FAHY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the labor law and the state finance law, in relation to
establishing a reasonable accommodation reimbursement grant program; and
making an appropriation therefor
 
PURPOSE:
Establishes a reasonable accommodation reimbursement grant program;
appropriation
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Amends the labor law by adding a new § 19 establishing the
Reasonable Accommodation Reimbursement Grant Program
Section 2. Amends the state finance law to create the Reasonable Accom-
modation Reimbursement Fund as a dedicated account for the program.
Section 3. Contain appropriations language.
Section 4. Sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Under both federal and state law, employers must provide reasonable
accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing
so would cause undue hardship. While large employers often have the
resources to meet these obligations, smaller businesses may face signif-
icant financial strain when implementing accommodations such as assis-
tive technology, ergonomic equipment, or interpreter services.
The program would cover up to $15,000 in accommodations per employee and
$30,000 per employer. Notably, the average accommodation only costs
about $400.
This bill addresses that barrier by establishing a state-administered
reimbursement program. Modeled on Minnesota's Employer Reasonable Accom-
modation Fund, it ensures that compliance with disability rights laws is
not contingent on an employer's size or financial position. By offset-
ting accommodation costs, New York will expand employment opportunities
for individuals with disabilities, support small businesses in meeting
their legal obligations, and advance equity and workforce participation
statewide.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Minimal. The bill relies on existing BOE disclosure infrastructure, with
modest rulemaking and enforcement updates required.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law.