New Legislation Affecting New York Employers
The New York State Legislature and New York City Council continue to adopt employment-related legislation affecting employers in all fields, including the real estate industry. Effective February 1, 2020, the broad anti-discrimination and anti-harassment provisions of the New York State Human Rights Law will apply to all employers in New York State. Previously, many provisions of the Human Rights Law applied only to employers with four or more employees.
Effective May 10, 2020, employers in New York City may no longer require job applicants to be tested for cannabis use. The law covers business, non-profit, and governmental employers, but excludes construction workers, commercial drivers, health and childcare employees, and employers who are required to screen for cannabis use under federal law. The new law does not affect screening for drugs other than cannabis.