New York, California Take Lead to Shape Workplace Violence Laws

Workplace violence prevention laws in the bellwether states of California and New York are poised to influence legislative approaches in other jurisdictions that must decide whether to focus prevention efforts solely on high-risk industries.

A New York measure that Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed into law this month requires retail employers to set up violence-prevention plans and train their employees on risk factors and techniques such as de-escalating conflict and responding to gun violence. It’s one of the most expansive workplace violence laws for retailers in the country, but pales in comparison to the California law that took effect July ...