State lawmakers have passed a bill that would fine businesses that fail to adopt new standards to protect workers and stem the spread of coronavirus or other airborne diseases.
The bill also includes strong anti-retaliation provisions that protect workers who call out employers.
The bill -- called the New York Health and Essential Rights Act -- now goes to the governor.
Critics are concerned that the bill also allows employees to sue employers for noncompliance, potentially opening the door to frivolous lawsuits.