5 New Laws for New York

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed nearly 700 laws that impact various people. As we approach 2025, five key laws will significantly affect New Yorkers: updates to paid sick leave, reduced insulin costs, changes to restaurant reservation policies, new regulations for gym membership cancellations, and enhanced protections for workers in the fashion industry.

Paid Prenatal leave

Beginning January 1, 2024, all employers in New York must provide pregnant employees with at least 20 hours of paid time off for medical appointments, such as ultrasounds. This makes New York the first state to implement such a rule, showing a commitment to support expectant mothers. Research has shown that when pregnant women receive proper care, both they and their babies have better health outcomes. Governor Hochul emphasized that no one should ever feel scared to seek medical care because of costs, or the time they may have to miss from work. This change aims to ensure that all mothers can get the healthcare they need.

Effective January 1, New York will end co-pays for insulin for individuals covered by state-regulated health insurance plans, following a federal guideline that limits insulin costs to $35 for Medicare beneficiaries. This makes New York the first state to eliminate co-pays. With approximately 1.8 million adults in the state living with diabetes, Governor Kathy Hochul anticipates this change will save New Yorkers $14 million by 2025. Monica Billger, a leader from the American Diabetes Association, emphasized that access to affordable insulin is vital for effective diabetes management, and for preventing serious health complications.

Getting a reservation at a popular New York City restaurant has always been tough, but it’s getting even harder. Some people have been selling reservations for lots of money, which is causing problems for restaurants. A new law starting in February will stop the selling of these reservations without the restaurant’s permission. Many reservations are taken by bots, making it hard for restaurants to know how many customers to expect, which can lead to empty tables. Pablo Rivero, the head of a reservation service called Resy, said this law is a big win for both restaurants and diners. While it will still be challenging to secure a table at places like Via Carota, this new law will help in having a better chance.

With the New Year just around the corner, many of us start thinking about resolutions to eat better and exercise more. This might mean joining a gym or getting back into yoga. But if you’ve ever tried to cancel a membership, you know it can be a hassle. Luckily, a new law will make this a lot easier for New Yorkers/residents of New York State. Starting in February, if you decide to cancel your gym membership, the club has to process your cancellation and any refunds within 10 business days. Plus, they’ll have to offer more ways for you to cancel your membership. “This bill is all about helping New Yorkers take charge of their health without being stuck in contracts that don’t suit them anymore,” said State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud, who helped sponsor the bill.

Starting in June, New York State will implement new rules to protect models, influencers, and fashion workers. The law, introduced in 2022, addresses regulations that allow modeling agencies to delay payments and avoid responsibilities. It mandates agencies to prioritize their clients’ well-being, establish harassment reporting procedures, and regulate the use of AI in photo editing. Additionally, it will limit how much money management companies can take from clients. Sponsors Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblywoman Karines Reyes believe these changes will provide essential protections in the fashion industry.