The year is 2024. Here are the new laws New Yorkers need to know about.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed about 900 bills into law in 2023. These laws – many of which will take effect in the new year – affect almost every aspect of New Yorkers’ lives. There are measures additional recognition school holidays (the Lunar New Year and Diwali), and others that to establish broader protection for freelancers And imposing new requirements on recognized beauticians.
What else will change in 2024? Here’s a look at some of the most consequential laws taking effect this year.
The minimum wage will increase
That of New York minimum wage will increase to $16 per hour in New York City, Long Island and Westchester County and to $15 per hour everywhere else in the state. Both rates will increase by another 50 cents in 2025 and 2026, with future statewide increases tied to inflation.
The decision to add $2 to the city’s $15 minimum wage by 2026 — a plan included in last year’s state budget deal — was not universally supported. Some Republican lawmakers warned the move could lead to job losses, while progressive Democrats pushed for a rate above $21.
The new law establishes a “bill” for residents who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or HIV-positive and lists examples of actions that could infringe on their rights: denying someone access to an institution, evicting a resident, a resident’s request to share a room and the intentional failure to use a resident’s preferred name or pronouns.
Lawmakers cited a report It found that 78 percent of older LGBTQ adults felt they could not be open with workers in long-term care facilities about their sexual orientation or gender identity. A majority of respondents in the survey also predicted that they would be discriminated against by other residents and abused or neglected by staff members if they were open about their identity.
Discrimination against same-sex couples is not uncommon in nursing homes across the United States, and research has shown that LGBTQ couples also face barriers when applying to live in such facilities. Even in liberal cities like New York, older LGBTQ adults have reported experiencing discrimination.
Private schools will provide free menstrual products
All private middle and high schools will be required to provide this free menstrual hygiene products in student bathrooms. Public schools serving sixth through twelfth grades are required to deliver these products statewide since 2018.
In a statement issued by Governor Hochul’s officeState Senator Iwen Chu said that 25 percent of girls and women who menstruate do not have access to the products they need and that the new law was in response to the thousands of students in New York affected by “a stigma around menstruation and menstrual inequality .”
“Without these products, students are likely to miss classes and school days,” said Senator Chu, adding, “Menstruation is not a choice, but removing the barrier to accessing products is.”
Schools must make voter registration forms available
As part of a law intended to Young people learn “that their voice matters in the political process”, most schools in New York will be required to provide eligible students with voter registration and pre-registration forms during the school year. Pre-registration allows 16 and 17 year olds to ensure that they can vote as soon as they turn 18.
The legislation, which lawmakers hope will promote long-term civic engagement after years of dismal attendance among young people, also requires schools to help students fill out registration forms.
Prisoners must be informed of their voting rights before their release
Those previously convicted of a crime must be informed – both verbally and in writing – before being released from a state prison that their voting rights will be restored upon release.
The facility’s main administrative office must also provide those leaving with a voter registration application and provide assistance in completing it, if they choose.