New Year, New Laws

ALBANY – A new year has brought new laws to New York State.

The new Criminal Justice Reforms are now in effect, ending cash bail for misdemeanors and non-violent felonies.

Brianna’s Law has also expanded, individuals born after Jan. 1, 1993 must complete a boater safety course before operating a motorized watercraft.

The Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act now gives farm workers paid time and a half if they work more than 60 hours a week. They must also get 24 hours of consecutive time off every week.

Paid Family Leave for farm laborers and other eligible workers now allows up to 10 weeks of paid time off under the law. Workers will be eligible to be paid up to $840.70 a week during their leave.

Large group health insurance policies are now required to cover IVF services. Additionally, improved access for mental health/addiction services is also mandated to expand.

Sixteen and 17-year-olds will now be able to pre-register to vote, automatically registering them when they turn 18-years-old.

Later this month, adoption records will became available to adoptees when they turn 18-years-old and the minimum wage outside of New York City will increase to $12.50 per hour.

In March, the state’s plastic carryout bag ban will go into effect.

In August, the state’s sexual harassment complaints policy expands, allowing New Yorkers up to three years to file sexual harassment complaints.

Finally, in September the legal limit for hunters to be considered intoxicated will be decreases from .10 to .08.