Joining a gym as a New Year’s resolution? Own an electric bike or scooter? Drive to the city? Make minimum wage? Planning a natural birth? Looking to work in a school but have a criminal record? You’re going to want to pay attention to new laws coming to New York state in 2025.
New York’s new minimum wage law
New York State will increase in the minimum wage for 2025, according to the Department of Labor. Workers in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester will see their hourly rate rise by $0.50 to $16.50. Employees in other parts of the state such as Ulster County will also experience a $0.50 increase, bringing their minimum wage to $15.50 an hour. An additional $0.50 increase is planned for 2026.
New York’s new paid leave laws
In 2025, pregnant employees in New York will be eligible for additional paid leave to attend medical appointments, undergo procedures, or address other prenatal care needs. This benefit will be incorporated into the state’s paid sick leave program and operates independently from the New York State Paid Family Leave initiative. On the flip side, the COVID-19 quarantine leave policy is set to end on July 31, 2025, marking the conclusion of this temporary legislation.
New York’s new transportation laws
Starting January 5, New York City will launch congestion pricing, charging vehicles entering certain areas. Days later, mopeds and motor scooters will need to be registered with the state, adding oversight to the growing use of these vehicles. New rules for electric bikes, scooters, and lithium-ion batteries will require safety manuals and stickers to promote proper use and compliance with traffic laws.
New York’s equal rights law
New York voters have passed Proposition 1, ensuring an Equal Rights Amendment will be added to the state constitution. The amendment broadens anti-discrimination protections to encompass categories such as ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex. It also explicitly includes protections for sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive health care rights.
New York’s new gun laws
Gun dealers will soon display warnings about the risks of firearm use, including accidental deaths and suicide, alongside the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Licensing officers will share these warnings with permit holders.
New York’s new health care laws
Health care sees several updates. Assisted living facilities will need to provide clear details on pricing and quality, while hospitals and birth centers must distribute educational materials about congenital heart defects. Starting in March, maternal health care facilities must allow doulas to assist during labor and inpatient care. Prisons will also be required to address extreme heat with plans for fans, ice, and water access. Emergency room health care workers will also have more leeway to administer prescription medications if a pharmacy is not present in the facility.
New York’s new consumer laws
Consumer protections will expand. Health clubs must simplify membership cancellations, and wireless providers will need to disable stolen devices. Retailers will be required to implement workplace violence prevention programs, including panic buttons for employees.
New York’s new privacy laws
Privacy rules will also strengthen. A new law will bar employers, schools, and agencies from requiring individuals to provide their criminal history records, though background checks are still allowed. Short-term rental hosts must register their properties by late March, ensuring compliance with state rules.
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