New laws will go into effect in NY: New rules that will go into force in New York and New Jersey will be introduced with the arrival of the new year.
Here is a summary of some of the more recent New Law implementations that will go into effect in 2024, influencing a wide range of topics like consumer protection, taxation, health, and wages.
News laws in New York 2024
Medicaid in New York will pay for doula services.
Legislation S.1867A/A.5435A, which instructed the New York State Department of Health to compile and keep a list of doulas—birthing professionals who offer emotional, psychological, and physical support before, during, and following the childbirth experience—was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul in November. Additionally, as of January 1, 2024, all Medicaid members will be eligible for doula services.
Hochul declared, “Our rates of maternal and infant mortality are a disgrace.” “Increasing the availability of doula services is a practical, research-proven way to assist pregnant mothers and enable their infants to develop and flourish. I’m dedicated to doing all within my ability as the first mother and grandmother to hold the office of governor of New York to address the alarming increase in infant mortality.
Private schools provide free menstruation products.
Signed by Hochul in November, legislation S.5913A/A.113A mandates that menstruation products be given to pupils free of charge in private middle and high school facilities.
“Thousands of students in New York State continue to be impacted by the stigma associated with menstruation and menstrual inequality. Period products are an essential but costly family expense that is unavailable to 25% of people who are menstruating. Students are likely to skip classes and school days if these products are not available. I’m glad that Governor Hochul signed my bill, which will make menstruation supplies more available to students attending non-public schools and will help us in the fight against period poverty. Senator Iwen Chu stated, “Menstruation is not a choice, but lowering the barrier to product access is.”
An increase in the minimum wage
The minimum wage in New York will rise to $16 per hour in New York City, Westchester, and Long Island, and $15 per hour for the remainder of the state, effective January 1, 2024. According to Hochul, hundreds of thousands of minimum-wage workers around the state will benefit from an increase in New York’s minimum wage to keep up with inflation.
The Democratic lawmaker declared, “We are raising New York’s minimum wage effective January 1st to help hard-working New Yorkers keep up with rising costs and continue supporting their families.” “I implore you to file a wage complaint with the Department of Labor if you are a minimum-wage worker and you do not see this increase in your paycheck next year to ensure that you are receiving the wage increase you deserve.”
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Legislation to safeguard independent contractors’ rights
New York state legislation protecting workers’ rights forbids employers from asking for or requiring personal account usernames, passwords, and login information as a prerequisite for employment, hiring, or for use in disciplinary proceedings (S. 2518/A. 836).
“As our lives become more and more digitalized, we must establish boundaries protecting employees’ privacy. By passing this legislation, we are redressing an imbalance that forces employees to feel as though they must comply with demands made by their employer. Senator Jessica Ramos expressed her gratitude to Governor Hochul for her ongoing support in transforming New York into a state that protects the rights of working people.
Protect NYCHA tenants
To safeguard tenants of NYCHA, House Speaker Bachul approved Act S7456 in November, which mandates that the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) give written warning 24 hours in advance if a utility or government agency notifies NYCHA that the water is dangerous to drink or cook with. The New York City Housing Authority is also required to put policies in place to guarantee that all contractors and subcontractors involved in the gathering and analysis of water samples abide by all applicable federal, state, and municipal laws, rules, and ordinances regarding the testing of water quality.
Hochul declared, “Every New Yorker deserves access to a safe and healthy home.” “I’m proud to sign this legislation, which will ensure tenants have additional, critical protections, as New York has the highest percentage of renters of any state in the country.”
Legislation to protect the rights of freelance workers
The “Freelance Isn’t Free” Act (S.5026/A.6040), which Hochul signed into law in November, gives freelance workers who aren’t getting paid for their services rights, protections, and avenues for redress.
Building on the NYC Freelance Isn’t Free Law, the New Law implementation provides safeguards for independent contractors throughout the entire state of New York and includes oversight and enforcement from the New York State Attorney General’s Office. With the establishment of a right to a written contract with specific conditions, prompt and complete payment, and protection from discrimination and retaliation for exercising these rights, this new law will safeguard independent contractors. The Attorney General may file lawsuits on behalf of affected independent contractors in order to seek remedies, such as damages and civil penalties. Under the new law implementations, freelance workers would also be able to defend their rights through a private lawsuit.
Enactment of laws to aid those who have been harmed by crime
To increase the eligibility of victims and survivors of crime for victim compensation money, Hochul signed Law S.214A/A.2105A in December. The measure increases the amount of time that victims have to file a compensation claim and does away with the necessity that they provide documents from law enforcement to be eligible for compensation.
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new holidays for school
Legislation designating the Asian Lunar New Year as a public holiday in New York State was signed into law by Hochul. The bill (A.7768/S.7573) would guarantee that schools are not open on Lunar New Year’s Day, demonstrating Hochul’s dedication to defending and assisting New York’s Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
Additionally, the Democrats approved legislation designating Diwali as a public holiday for schools in New York City. All public schools in New York City are required by Law S.7574/A.7769 to be closed on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the Indian calendar every year, which is known as Diwali.
New Laws in New Jersey 2024
In public schools, menstrual products are free.
A new Law implemented in August mandates that school districts in New Jersey provide free menstruation products to female students in grades 6 through 12.
“The possible stress and stigma too frequently divert students from their classes or force them to skip school entirely, leading to social and academic repercussions that no one should have to face,” Democratic Senator Murphy stated. “Students who cannot access the menstrual products they need for their reproductive health.” “My administration will persist in giving the emotional and physical well-being of New Jersey students first priority by adopting a comprehensive strategy to promote their overall wellbeing. One of the most important parts of our continuous efforts to guarantee the success of youth throughout our state and advance equity at all levels is promoting menstrual equity in our schools.
An increase in the minimum wage
On January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in New Jersey will rise by $1 to $15.13 per hour for the majority of workers. This surpasses the objective established by the law that Murphy signed into law in February 2019 to increase the minimum wage for most workers to at least $15 per hour by 2024.
Contraceptive availability
This year, Murphy passed S-275 into law, enabling New Jersey pharmacists to provide patients with self-administered hormonal contraceptives without a prescription.
In New Jersey, patients generally cannot get self-administered hormonal contraceptives, such as tablets, patches, and rings, without a prescription from a registered healthcare provider. The bill calls for the issuance of a standing order allowing pharmacists to provide self-administered hormonal contraceptives to patients without a prescription and specifying the contraceptives that pharmacists are authorized to dispense in order to lower barriers to access to this essential family planning tool.
“Our state is committed to safeguarding this fundamental right and increasing access to this essential care for everyone in need, even as many other states are attempting to restrict access to reproductive health care, including contraceptives,” stated Murphy. Prescriptions are unnecessarily burdening people who don’t have the time or means to see a doctor.Eliminating that restriction will support health equity and make contraceptives more accessible, enabling women to make their own reproductive decisions.”
Laws extending the availability of temporary protection orders
In July, Muphy signed Law S-1517, which permits the issuance of protective orders for specific victims under circumstances where domestic violence regulations are not applicable since the victim and the offending actor are not related.
As a result of this measure, a protective order can be obtained for a wider range of acts, offering a greater level of protection to those who have been harmed by abusive behavior, regardless of their relationship status at the time with the alleged perpetrator.
Murphy stated, “Our Administration recognized the need to expand access to protective orders to more than just victims of domestic and sexual violence after hearing the horrific stories of victims, like Michele Albano’s daughter, who inspired this bill.” “Much too many people become victims of various forms of abuse and are unable to flee it due to their inability to obtain a protective order against their perpetrators. We want to provide some comfort and reassurance to these victims today, letting them know that we are here for them.
Enacting laws to protect New Jerseyans from unjust credit card fees
Murphy’s August law prohibits sellers and businesses in New Jersey from charging their customers certain fees for credit card transactions. Additionally, the law lays forth certain obligations for businesses to inform customers of any charges made to their cards.
The goal of Legislation A4284/S3508 is to safeguard consumers in New Jersey by enhancing openness and limiting unjust practices that disproportionately affect Garden State citizens with poor and moderate incomes. The typical credit card processing cost for businesses is 1.5% to 3.5%.
Laws extending school employees’ ability to claim sick leave
A-5060/S-3440, a law that Murphy signed, broadens the list of qualifying reasons that employees of school districts may use their sick leave.
Previously, school workers could only utilize sick leave in the event of a contagious sickness that required them or a member of their immediate household to be quarantined, or in connection with a personal handicap resulting from an illness or injury. The list of authorized uses for these employees has been expanded under the new law.
giving tenants and homeowners vital information about flood risk
Bill S3110/A4783, which Murphy signed, mandates that landlords and property sellers provide specific notices regarding floods. The law requires landlords and real estate sellers to report if they are aware of a property’s history of flooding, its risk of flooding, and its position in a flood zone. Landlords are also required by law to inform tenants about the National Flood Insurance program’s insurance options for renters.
Tax reductions
Twenty tax cuts for seniors and working-class and middle-class households have been implemented with the FY2024 budget, including over $2 billion in direct property tax relief for the second year of the ANCHOR property tax relief program.
