A bill (S.471-A) that would establish the COVID-19 Emergency Protect Our Small Businesses Act of 2021, and provide a mechanism for eviction protection for small businesses that employ fewer than 50 employees passed the state Senate and the state Assembly last week, and this past Tuesday, respectively.

Additionally, the bill would extend foreclosure protections for small, commercial businesses that have 10 or fewer units. These protections against eviction and foreclosure would apply as long as those small businesses and commercial businesses can prove financial hardship as a result of the pandemic, such as significant revenue loss, or incurred increased necessary costs. The bill was introduced in the state Senate by Sen. Anna M. Kaplan, D-7. If Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signs it into law, these protections would be extended until Sunday, May 2, 2021.

In addition to passing S.471-A, the state Senate and state Assembly passed S.1197, which is sponsored by Sen. Roxanne J. Persuad, D-19. This bill would prohibit—for one year—the inclusion of unemployment insurance claims that arose from an employer’s closure as a result of the pandemic. This prohibition would exclude that closure from the employer’s rating charges.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the state’s employers had no choice but to lay off employees, or were required to remain closed. This rendered the incentives behind the experience-rating system inapplicable. This legislation is intended to ensure employers are not harmed by a severe spike in premiums this year due to unprecedented employee layoffs beyond their control.

Track these and other bills with the PIAdvocacy bill tracker.