It is vital for New York residents to be aware of any amendments to the rules and regulations that impact them, as well as any new laws that have been introduced. A lot of people do not keep up-to-date with this information, and it is risky, as you could end up doing something that goes against the law without even realizing it. Here are some of the new laws that are going to be implemented in New York in 2021.
New York Minimum Wage Increase
Although the push to raise the minimum wage on a national scale hasn’t yet succeeded, a new minimum wage law for New York was passed at the conclusion of the year.
On the 21st of December, it was agreed that the new minimum law would be $12.50 upstate. This represents an increase from $11.80, and it came into effect on the 1st of January of this year.
In both Long Island and Westchester County, the minimum wage was increased from $13 to $14. If you’re on the minimum wage and you have not seen your income increase, make sure you bring this up with your employer so that you can get the right amount of money that you are entitled to. After all, the minimum wage is not merely a recommendation, it is the law.
Brianna’s Law
Brianna’s Law may have been signed in 2019, but it is coming into place this year. It is legislation that is all about improving boat safety in the state. By 2025, if you own a boat in NY, you need to pass an educational boat safety course.
Paid Family Leave Law
We have also seen another law come into place regarding the workplace, and this is with reference to the Paid Family Leave Law. This law will enter the last year of the four-year implementation plan, which means that residents of New York can go on paid leave to bond with a new child, care for a loved one who has an illness, or relieve family pressures.
This year, the duration will increase to 12 weeks. It was previously set at 10 weeks. Employees who are eligible will get 67 percent of their weekly wage.
New York Insulin Cap
Finally, another law that is being implemented this year is a cap on the price of insulin. This means that the amount that New Yorkers pay out of pocket for insulin cannot exceed $100 for a supply of the product that covers a period of 30 days. This new law will ensure that if a patient has health insurance and they need insulin, they are protected. A failure to adhere to this new pricing and treatment program on the part of distributors could lead to pharmaceutical litigation.
To conclude, there are a number of new laws that are going into effect in New York in 2021. It is important to be aware of all of these state law changes if you are a New York resident, you work in the area, or you visit this part of the United States on a regular basis. These laws could impact your daily life, so you need to know about these changes.