Under new governor Kathy Hochul, who took over in the Empire State upon the resignation of her predecessor Andrew Cuomo for sexual harassment, New York continues to tighten requirements on businesses. Last week, we advised that New York had extended the COVID designation as a communicable disease thereby extending the state’s HERO Act provisions. This week, we noted that Governor Hochul has signed legislation expanding the definition of “family member” for purposes of the New York paid leave act to include “siblings”. The change does not take effect until January 1, 2023, but subsequently, employees in New York would be eligible to access the state Paid Family Leave insurance program for job-protected, paid time off (up to 12 weeks at 67% of their pay) to care for a sibling, including biological siblings, adopted siblings, and step- or half-siblings. Currently, the coverage is available to workers caring for spouses, domestic partners, children and step-children, parents, parents-in-law, grandparents, and grandchildren with serious health issues. Employees may also access the program to bond with a newborn, adopted or fostered child, or assist loved ones when a family member is deployed on active military service.