BY Samantha Lape-Kesel
NEW YORK STATE--New York state is implementing a range of legislative changes in 2024 to address diverse issues, including social policies, veteran support, bail reform, and environmental initiatives.
1. Workplace equality and protections:
• The state is prioritizing workplace equality by strengthening anti-discrimination measures and addressing wage gaps. One of the most notable changes was a minimum wage increase to $15 per hour in upstate New York and $16 per hour in New York City. As New York has steadily increased the minimum wage in recent years, the federal minimum is still $7.25.
• The Clean Slate Act aims to minimize the impact of incarceration on those who have served their sentence and have been non-repeat offenders. Class A felonies are not eligible for the program but records will be sealed in three years after a misdemeanor or eight years after certain felonies.
2. Crime and safety:
• Colleges are now required by law to post campus crime statistics on their website.
• The changed bail reform policies allow greater discretion to judges in pre-trial conditions.
• Additionally, measures are being taken to combat human trafficking. The Interagency Task Force on human trafficking has extended provisions to improve its effectiveness, and the legislature has also directed the New York State Interagency Task Force on human trafficking to investigate connections between social media and human trafficking.
3. Housing:
New York state has introduced measures to increase affordable housing options, including incentives for developers, rent control provisions, and initiatives to provide better living conditions. The Tenant Dignity and Safe Housing Act took effect in December and allows tenants additional protections against landlords who have properties that do not meet code requirements.
4. Healthcare access and expansion:
To improve healthcare accessibility, New York has enacted laws aimed at expanding Medicaid, enhancing mental health services, and addressing disparities in healthcare provision. In addition, medical debt can no longer be reported to credit bureaus.
5. Voting:
The state has taken measures to increase voting rights. These measures include reforms that make voting more accessible. Schools will be required to provide voter registration forms and inmates that are being released have to be notified of the return of voting rights. Voting by mail has also been strengthened beyond the initial use during the pandemic.
6. Climate action:
New York state has implemented climate action mandates to promote sustainability. These mandates target carbon emission reduction, renewable energy, pesticide bans, and climate change resilience.
7. Veteran support:
New York state has passed the Veterans Support Act, which expands access to mental health services, employment, and housing assistance. The state has also allocated resources to improve veteran-specific healthcare programs and provide additional educational and training benefits. Legal protections for active-duty military personnel and veterans have been reinforced, and programs have been implemented to reduce veteran homelessness.
To look back at the complete list of bills passed this year, visit https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation.
NEW YORK STATE--New York state is implementing a range of legislative changes in 2024 to address diverse issues, including social policies, veteran support, bail reform, and environmental initiatives.
1. Workplace equality and protections:
• The state is prioritizing workplace equality by strengthening anti-discrimination measures and addressing wage gaps. One of the most notable changes was a minimum wage increase to $15 per hour in upstate New York and $16 per hour in New York City. As New York has steadily increased the minimum wage in recent years, the federal minimum is still $7.25.
• The Clean Slate Act aims to minimize the impact of incarceration on those who have served their sentence and have been non-repeat offenders. Class A felonies are not eligible for the program but records will be sealed in three years after a misdemeanor or eight years after certain felonies.
2. Crime and safety:
• Colleges are now required by law to post campus crime statistics on their website.
• The changed bail reform policies allow greater discretion to judges in pre-trial conditions.
• Additionally, measures are being taken to combat human trafficking. The Interagency Task Force on human trafficking has extended provisions to improve its effectiveness, and the legislature has also directed the New York State Interagency Task Force on human trafficking to investigate connections between social media and human trafficking.
3. Housing:
New York state has introduced measures to increase affordable housing options, including incentives for developers, rent control provisions, and initiatives to provide better living conditions. The Tenant Dignity and Safe Housing Act took effect in December and allows tenants additional protections against landlords who have properties that do not meet code requirements.
4. Healthcare access and expansion:
To improve healthcare accessibility, New York has enacted laws aimed at expanding Medicaid, enhancing mental health services, and addressing disparities in healthcare provision. In addition, medical debt can no longer be reported to credit bureaus.
5. Voting:
The state has taken measures to increase voting rights. These measures include reforms that make voting more accessible. Schools will be required to provide voter registration forms and inmates that are being released have to be notified of the return of voting rights. Voting by mail has also been strengthened beyond the initial use during the pandemic.
6. Climate action:
New York state has implemented climate action mandates to promote sustainability. These mandates target carbon emission reduction, renewable energy, pesticide bans, and climate change resilience.
7. Veteran support:
New York state has passed the Veterans Support Act, which expands access to mental health services, employment, and housing assistance. The state has also allocated resources to improve veteran-specific healthcare programs and provide additional educational and training benefits. Legal protections for active-duty military personnel and veterans have been reinforced, and programs have been implemented to reduce veteran homelessness.
To look back at the complete list of bills passed this year, visit https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation.
