New York Implements Strict Personnel Records Access Law for Employers by November 2026
New York State is enacting a new personnel records law, effective November 8, 2026, which grants employees and former employees broad access rights to their personnel files. Under this law, employers must provide requested records within five business days of a written request, free of charge. Employees are permitted to review their records up to twice per calendar year, with reviews triggered by negative information not counting towards this limit. Employers are also mandated to notify employees within 10 days if any information that could negatively impact their employment, promotion, transfer, compensation, or disciplinary action is added to their files. The law specifies a list of documents that must be included, such as job titles, compensation, performance evaluations, and disciplinary records, covering both private and public employers of all sizes. Businesses must retain complete personnel records throughout employment and for three years post-separation. Employees have the right to dispute informa...
