(Some Of) The Laws Going Into Effect In NY In 2025

By Idy Perl

The start of the new year will bring with it many changes for New York in the form of a plethora of new laws. These new laws, which cover a variety of different issues, will be going into effect throughout the year. Here are some of the more noteworthy ones:

Prenatal Care:

Starting January 1st all private-sector employers will be required to grant employees up to 20 hours of paid prenatal care so they can leave work for pregnancy-related appointments. 

Minimum Wage: 

Minimum wage will go up with 50 cents on January 1st, raising it to $16.50 in New York City, Long Island and Westchester County, and to $15.50 in the rest of the state.

Congestion Pricing: 

On January 5th, Governor Hochul’s controversial congestion pricing in Manhattan will be going into effect. 

Mopeds:

Starting January 7th, all mopeds and motor scooters will need to be registered with the state at the point of purchase. Another bill will also require operating manuals to come with lithium-ion batteries, electric bikes, scooters, and similar devices, to explain how to use and store them safely.

Gym Membership Cancellations:

Gone will be the days of having to show up in person to cancel a gym membership. Starting February 23rd all health clubs, gyms, spas and martial arts studios will be required to allow membership cancellations via email, phone, and on their website. The bill will also shorten the cancellation and refund deadlines. 

Insulin Prices:

Health insurers will no longer be able to charge a co-payment or deductible for insulin, which will provide free insulin for over 1 million New Yorkers with diabetes. New York will be the first state to provide free insulin for those with diabetes. 

These are only a handful of the many bills that will go into effect throughout the year. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates as 2025 rolls along.

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