S 1276

This bill establishes a comprehensive nuclear whistleblower access and assistance program to enhance safety at New York's nuclear power facilities by protecting employees who report safety concerns. The legislation requires NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) and nuclear plant operators to create programs that provide toll-free hotlines for reporting safety issues, protect whistleblowers from workplace retaliation, and ensure anonymous reporting options for employees, contractors, and others with knowledge of potential safety problems. The bill empowers whistleblowers with legal standing to pursue litigation without exhausting administrative remedies and authorizes the attorney general to enforce anti-retaliation provisions, while also requiring the authority to investigate all reported safety concerns at both publicly and privately owned nuclear facilities in the state.