AGENCY TESTIMONY
Intro 871: Accommodations for caregivers
0:23:06
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93 sec
Intro 871 proposes to amend the Human Rights Law to require covered entities to provide reasonable accommodations based on caregiver status. The administration strongly supports the aim of the bill but suggests further exploration of certain elements.
- Aims to ensure New Yorkers are not forced to choose between caregiving responsibilities and work.
- The administration recommends creating a standalone section for caregiver accommodations, similar to other areas of reasonable accommodations in employment.
- Suggests clarifying the rights of caregivers and the process for requesting accommodations.
- The administration looks forward to further discussions with the council about this legislation.
JoAnn Kamuf Ward
0:23:06
Turning to the 3rd amendment to the human rights law, intro 871, which, as was mentioned, amends the human rights law to required covered entities to provide a reasonable accommodation on the basis of caregiver status.
0:23:19
Caregiver is a protected category, as I mentioned, in the human rights law, but there is no affirmative obligation for employers to provide reasonable accommodations on this basis.
0:23:28
The administration strongly supports the aim of ensuring that New Yorkers are not forced to choose
Hillary Scrivani
0:23:33
between caring for children or adult family members and working
JoAnn Kamuf Ward
0:23:33
through the addition of Legislation that promotes the ability of caregivers to meet their job requirements without unjust consequences has been explored by the commission for several years years and has the potential for significant positive outcomes for New Yorkers.
0:23:54
While the administration supports the intent of 871, there are several elements that warrant further exploration.
0:24:01
As currently drafted, the bill would require reasonable accommodations based on caregiver status in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation.
0:24:10
The unique considerations regarding people with disabilities and people that are caregivers' warrant creating a stand alone section for caregivers as for the other areas of reasonable accommodations in in employment.
0:24:23
This would signal there may be different considerations for employees and employers in this context.
0:24:29
Ultimately, it should be clear for caregivers what their rights are and what the process for an accommodation entails.
0:24:36
We look forward to speaking further with counsel about this legislation.
