New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed a new law dramatically expanding protections for whistleblowers in New York. New York’s whistleblower law (New York Labor Law Section 740) previously limited anti-retaliation protections to employees who raised concerns about “substantial and specific danger to the public health and safety” or “health care fraud”. As outlined below, the amended law, which will go into effect on January 26, 2022, expands the scope of who is protected and what is deemed “protected activity” under Section 740. It also contains additional key changes and requirements for employers.

In sum, the amendments to Section 740:

• Broaden the categories of workers protected against retaliation;
• Expand the scope of protected activity entitling employees to anti-retaliation protection;
• Expand the definition of prohibited retaliatory action;
• Require employers to notify their employees of the whistleblower protections;
• Lengthen the statute of limitations for bringing a cause of action against an employer;
• Allow courts to order additional remedies; and
• Entitle plaintiffs to a jury trial.

Key Changes to NYLL Section 740

Below, we outline the key changes to New York’s whistleblower law, effective January 26.

Expanding The Definition of “Employee” – The amendments expand the range of individuals protected from retaliation to include current and former employees as well as independent contractors.

Expanding Protected Activity – The amendments prohibit employers...

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