In 2023, New York legislators passed 896 bills, and Governor Kathy Hochul signed 774 into law with many of them starting in 2024.
Several key legislations focus on enhancing voter accessibility in New York, bolstering consumer rights, advancing public health and safety measures, safeguarding wildlife and the environment, and ensuring the provision of a fair living wage for New Yorkers.
Here’s a brief overview of a few newly enacted laws set to take effect in 2024:
Clean Slate Act
Starting November 2024, this groundbreaking law will seal most criminal records of individuals who have completed their sentences and remained law-abiding citizens.
However, it excludes individuals convicted of serious offenses like murder, sex crimes, and Class A felonies.
Proponents believe this act will alleviate barriers faced by approximately 2.2 million New Yorkers in obtaining employment, housing, and education opportunities.
Wildlife Protection Measures
Beginning in January 2024, New York will join seven other states in banning wildlife killing contests.
The ban targets contests that award prizes for killing wildlife but does not extend to hunting or fishing activities.
Voting Reforms
A series of new laws will revolutionize voting in New York in 2024. Key changes include the provision for mail-in voting without requiring an excuse, same-day voter registration, and ensuring voting rights information is available to individuals completing prison sentences.
The changes, however, are facing legal challenges from Republican leaders.
Credit Card Consumer Protection
A new mandate requires credit card companies to offer a 90-day grace period for customers to use accrued rewards after closing an account.
This law is aimed at safeguarding consumer interests in credit card agreements, beginning in 2024.
Minimum Wage Increase
The minimum wage in New York is set to rise to $15 per hour in Upstate New York and $16 per hour in New York City and surrounding counties.
This change is part of an ongoing, phased wage increase plan.
Enhanced Road Safety in Syracuse
Syracuse has been authorized to install speed and red-light cameras in school zones and major intersections in 2024.
The initiative aims to improve road safety and penalize traffic violations with fines.
Expanded Health Insurance Coverage
State-regulated health insurance plans will now cover comprehensive biomarker testing for cancer, following a law authored by Assemblymember Pamela Hunter.
Medical Debt Protection
A pivotal law prohibits the reporting of medical debt to credit agencies, a move expected to benefit those struggling with healthcare-related financial burdens, beginning in 2024.
Freelancer Rights
The “Freelance Isn’t Free” Act provides stronger protections for freelance workers, including mandatory written contracts and safeguards against employer retaliation.
Campus Safety Improvements
New regulations require colleges to publish crime statistics on their websites and enhance measures for investigating and reporting hate crimes.
Support for Crime Victims and Survivors
Changes in eligibility criteria, starting in 2024, will make it easier for victims and survivors of crime to access compensation funds without the necessity of official crime reports.
Combating the Opioid Epidemic
“Matthew’s Law” is designed to reduce accidental drug overdoses by making drug testing kits more accessible through pharmacies and healthcare providers.
Providing Free Menstrual Products in Schools
Starting in 2024, middle and high school students attending non-public schools will receive complimentary menstrual products.
Reducing the Lifeguard Minimum Age
New legislation will now permit individuals as young as 15 to serve as lifeguards at swimming pools, beaches, and children’s camps, provided they are under appropriate supervision.
