What laws will go into effect in New York in 2021

Despite the economic and social turmoil caused by the pandemic, lawmakers in Albany have created and updated a number of laws. In particular, they closed loopholes in real estate tax law, established new requirements for the timing of recounts in elections, and provided greater consumer protection. A law was even passed to protect the dead. What laws will enter into force in New York in 2021, reported on the website syracuse.com.

Raising the minimum wage

The minimum hourly wage will rise to $ 12,50 from $ 11,80 on Thursday, December 31, 2020, everywhere except for New York City, Long Island and Westchester County. On Long Island and Westchester, wages will rise from $ 13 to $ 14. New York City already pays $ 15 per hour, so the minimum wage will not be raised there.

The 70 cents an hour increase would mean that a full-time minimum wage earner would receive $ 28 more a week.

We have described the details of this law in this stuff.

Closing tax loopholes beneficial to developers

The state has implemented reforms to prevent property developers from abusing the law in paying taxes. The tax credits, officially called the 485-a program, were intended to encourage the reuse of old commercial buildings. Instead, some developers have evaded millions of dollars in taxes by razing old buildings to the ground and replacing them with new ones.

Starting January 1, the requirements for developers will be more clearly defined. Developers will now have to meet the more specific definition of commercial use of the property and hand over at least 40% of the renovated building for residential use.

Protecting the publicity of dead people

Beginning in late May 2021, every deceased New Yorker will be eligible to be protected from unauthorized use of their image, voice, name, or any other aspect of commercial value.

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The law is similar to the protection of property, although in this case it gives descendants the ability to control the publicity of the deceased person. This protection lasts for 40 years after death. The new law will enter into force on May 29, 2021. It will apply to all who die on or after that day.

Paid family leave

In the coming year, workers in New York will receive paid time off of up to 12 weeks with continued employment. The time can be used in connection with the birth of a child, to care for a seriously ill family member, or to assist loved ones when a family member is sent abroad for military service. This time can be taken at one time or divided into intervals.

Family leave payments are also growing. In 2021, workers taking paid family leave will receive 67% of their average weekly wage (but not more than $ 971,61 per week).

Restriction on automatic renewal of subscription services

This law prohibits businesses like Netflix or Hulu from automatically renewing service without obtaining customer consent. It requires companies to be clearer about how renewals work and prohibits them from advertising a service as free if it is only available with an automatic renewal that requires payment. The law will come into force on February 9.

Limiting insulin costs

Beginning in 2021, state law will limit the amount of money people with diabetes have to pay for insulin out of pocket. This amount is capped at $ 100 for a 30-day supply of insulin.

Insurance treatment due to COVID-19

This year, lawmakers are urging New York State to create a working group tasked with simplifying the health insurance claims process, specifically to ensure that treatment for COVID-19 - both in the hospital and in the emergency room - is insured under any insurance policy.

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Increase in fare for people not using E-ZPass services

New York Thruway drivers who do not have an E-ZPass account will face a 1 percent increase in fares on January 30.

This is due to the fact that in November Thruway switched to cashless payments. Now, instead of paying in cash, drivers without E-ZPass will receive invoices in the mail about once a month. Each of them will pay an additional $ 2 per month.

Drivers can avoid a toll rise - the first in a decade - by using the electronic E-ZPass system.

Safety while driving in limousines

Starting January 1, any limousines modified in 2021 or later must have seat belts fitted for each passenger. Limousines modified before 2021 must be retrofitted with safety belts by January 1, 2023.

Such a law was passed in response to an accident that occurred in 2018 in the state of New York. As a result of an accident involving a limousine in which the wedding guests were, 20 people died. It was the deadliest traffic accident in a decade.

Recount of Votes

In April 2020, lawmakers set new thresholds as part of the state budget to determine when officials must conduct a full manual recount in an election.

Starting from 2021, such automatic recounts will occur when the difference between candidates is 20 or less votes, or no more than 0,5%. A recount of votes will also be necessary in cases where more than 1 million votes were cast in an election and the difference between candidates is less than 5 votes.

Pleasure craft safety

Brianna's law comes into force in 2021. It will oblige all operators and drivers of watercraft with engines (boats, boats, yachts and others) to complete an 8-hour training course. The law will apply to all industry workers born on or after January 1, 1988.

The law is named after Brianna Lineck, an 11-year-old girl who died in 2005 when a small boat hit a pier in the Long Island area.

Criminalization of construction waste

In 2021, illegal disposal of construction waste will entail penalties and criminal liability. The law is intended to address the problems of illegal landfilling, which are mainly found on Long Island.

Strengthening bonds between children and parents with the participation of surrogate mothers

Starting February 15, New York will provide clearer definitions of parent-child relationships when using donated sperm, eggs, embryos and surrogate mother services. The Child Welfare Act clearly states that intended parents, not donors, have rights and responsibilities towards a child.