The state Senate on Monday unanimously approved legislation that would create a state tax credit for businesses that hire addicts in recovery, according to Sen. Betty Little, R-Queensbury.

“I think more and more people understand the complexity and challenge of addiction,” said Little, who is sponsoring the measure, in a prepared statement. “That said, there is a stigma associated and concerns that a potential employer would have in hiring someone they know has a history with substance abuse.

“This legislation would, I’m hopeful, help open the door for someone who is in recovery and is working on building a productive life by gaining employment. The legislation also includes professional oversight that would be in the best interest of the recovering addict as well as the person or company hiring them.”

The proposed tax credit would only be available if the employed person is in recovery with an Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) approved rehabilitation center. The person would need to be employed full-time for at least 180 days or 400 hours before the credit could be claimed, according to Little’s office.

Sen. represents Parishville, Clare, Colton, Hopkinton and Piercefield in St. Lawrence County, plus to the east, Franklin, Clinton, Essex, Warren and Washington counties, making up the 45th Senate District.

The amount of tax credit the employer could claim would be 35 percent of the first $6,000 in wages that the qualified employee is paid in their first year of employment. The employer would be able to receive a federal work opportunity tax credit for a second year of wages paid. That would again be based on 35 percent of the first $6,000 in wages, Little’s office said.

Companion legislation is being sponsored by Assemblyman Billy Jones, D-Chateaugay, who represents the 115th district in the North Country.

“Having a job and a sense of purpose in life can be enormously important to someone recovering from addiction. This is a proactive approach that the State of New York can and should be a part of and I am hoping my colleagues in the Legislature see the potential benefit,” Little said in the release.

She represents the 45th Senate District. It covers the eastern edge of St. Lawrence County, from Lawrence to Piercefield. It extends east and south into Franklin, Clinton, Essex, Warren and Washington counties.