With 2025 just around the corner, several new laws will take effect in the state of New York, aimed at improving various aspects such as raising the minimum wage, enhancing public health and safety, and protecting consumer rights.
Minimum Wage Increase: Starting January 1st, the minimum wage will increase by 50 cents. In New York City, as well as Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties, the minimum wage will rise from $16 to $16.50. The minimum wage in upstate New York will increase from $15 to $15.50 per hour.
Paid Maternity Leave: Beginning January 1st, all private employers in New York State, regardless of size, must provide pregnant employees with 20 hours of paid leave for prenatal appointments or medical-related reasons.
Workers with Mental Health Conditions Eligible for Disability Benefits: Workers diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are eligible to apply for disability benefits from the Workers’ Compensation Board.
Expansion of Childcare Services: Following an amendment to state social services law, the application waiting period for childcare services has been eliminated. Counties are now required to provide 30 to 60 days of daycare services immediately after parents submit their application, until a determination is made.
Protection from Extreme Heat in Schools: Schools must take measures to keep students and staff cool if classroom temperatures exceed 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Coverage for Children’s Reading Disabilities under Health Insurance: Parents could save between $5,000 to $10,000 in examination costs with added coverage for children’s reading disability screenings.
Online Food Delivery Services to Disclose Restaurant Ratings: Restaurants offering online food delivery services, along with platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, are required to publish links to official health inspection grades on their websites or mobile apps.
Ban on Servicing Stolen Phones: Businesses must cease providing services for any stolen phones listed on the Global System for Mobile Communications Association blacklist.
Gyms Cannot Make It Difficult to Cancel Memberships: Starting March next year, gyms must cancel memberships within 10 business days of receiving a cancellation notice. Additionally, customers can unconditionally cancel within three business days of joining.
No Additional Fees for Car Rentals: Car dealerships and rental companies are prohibited from charging customers “return fees,” administrative, paperwork, or other extra charges. This law applies to new leases signed after January 1st.
Combatting Threats of Hate: It is now a serious offense to forcibly remove or threaten to remove someone’s religious attire or head covering (such as a yarmulke or a Muslim hijab).
Extended Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence: All family members of domestic violence victims, regardless of age, can now apply for a protection order through the court.