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Bill

Bill

S 5211

Relates to enacting the "New York state teleworking expansion act"

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

Bill S 5211 expands teleworking for New York state employees, enhancing work-life balance and productivity while ensuring equitable access and comprehensive support.

COMMITTED TO RULES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 5211

Summary of Bill S 5211: New York State Teleworking Expansion Act

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 5211, titled the "New York State Teleworking Expansion Act," aims to formalize and expand teleworking opportunities for state employees in New York. The legislation seeks to enhance work-life balance, increase job satisfaction, and improve productivity by allowing more flexible work arrangements.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions designed to facilitate teleworking:

  • Eligibility Criteria: The bill outlines specific criteria for state employees who may qualify for teleworking arrangements, ensuring that positions that can be effectively performed remotely are prioritized.

  • Teleworking Policies: It mandates the development of comprehensive teleworking policies by state agencies, which must include guidelines on performance expectations, communication protocols, and equipment provision.

  • Training and Support: Agencies are required to provide training and resources to employees and managers to ensure effective teleworking practices are implemented.

  • Evaluation and Reporting: The bill establishes a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of teleworking arrangements, including metrics for productivity and employee satisfaction. Agencies must report their findings annually to the state legislature.

  • Equity Considerations: The legislation emphasizes equitable access to teleworking opportunities, ensuring that all eligible employees, regardless of their position or location, have the chance to participate.

Who Would Be Affected

The primary beneficiaries of Bill S 5211 would be state employees across various departments who are eligible for teleworking. Additionally, state agencies would need to adapt their operational frameworks to accommodate these changes. The bill may also indirectly benefit the public by improving employee morale and productivity, potentially leading to better services.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: February 19, 2025
  • Referred to Civil Service and Pensions: February 19, 2025
  • Reported and Committed to Finance: April 2, 2025
  • 1st Report Calendar: May 13, 2025
  • 2nd Report Calendar: May 14, 2025
  • Advanced to Third Reading: May 15, 2025
  • Committed to Rules: June 13, 2025

Related Bills

This bill is related to several prior-session bills that address similar themes of teleworking and employee flexibility, including:
- S 4647
- S 159
- S 6455
- A 4850 (companion bill)

Conclusion

Bill S 5211 represents a significant step towards modernizing the work environment for state employees in New York by promoting teleworking. If enacted, it could lead to enhanced job satisfaction and productivity, while also ensuring that teleworking policies are equitable and effective across state agencies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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