New Year Brings New Laws in New York State

With the calendar turning from 2015 to 2016, it means a number of new laws will be in effect. Here are some of the Empire State laws changes for 2016.

Minimum Wage

The minimum wage will increase from $8.75 per hour to $9 per hour.

Fast food workers will receive an increase to $9.75 per hour beginning outside of New York City. City fast food employees will get an increase to $10.50.

The minimum hourly wage for restaurant servers and other tipped workers increases to $7.50

Health

Health insurance companies will be required to include telehealth services (the delivery of health-related services using digital information and communication technologies) as part of coverage.

Occupational and physical therapist telehealth is now covered by health insurance companies.

Veterans

A new law that takes effect Jan. 2 will reduce the local property tax burden for veterans by allowing an increase in limits to the real property tax exemption.

Veterans who receive tax exemptions will continue to receive them if they move within the same county.

Women's Rights

Women must be paid equal to men. The difference in pay can only be based off of factors like experience, training, and education.

New mothers will be able to to take reasonable, unpaid work breaks to pump breast milk for up to three years following childbirth. Work places must provide a private place for new mothers to pump.

Sexual Harassment 

Employees of companies of any size can file for sexual harassment.

The plaintiff who wins a sexual harassment case is eligible to have their legal fees waived.

Law Enforcement

Human trafficking and/or prostitution in a school zone are increasing to felonies. Prison sentences for these violations will be harsher. There will be better coverage of the damages for the victims.

On Jan. 19 a new law will quicken access for critical information in missing children cases. The laws should reduce misinformation between agencies about what is considered confidential reports.

Public Agencies

Government meetings open to the public will be recorded and posted online.

Tax cut for businesses

The income tax rate has been lowered from 7.1 to 6.5%. It's projected this tax cut will save New York businesses $125 million.