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The advent of every new year brings a list of new laws that go into effect in New York. Residents and businesses must abide by these new regulations, some of which may affect future lawsuits. Most laws went into effect on January 1, except where noted.
The lawyers at Ajlouny Law and their support staff keep abreast of the changing legal landscape in New York State to serve you better. If you have any questions regarding New York laws about personal injuries, contact us today at (718) 233-3913 to set up your consultation for FREE advice.
One of the most notable changes in New York law is a boost in the minimum wage for all workers outside of New York City, Long Island, and Westchester Counties. Wages increased by $1 per hour to $14.20 for the rest of the state. The New York City metro area remains unaffected as the minimum wage there is $15 per hour.
Salary transparency laws have slowly gone into effect nationwide, with New York City's becoming effective on November 1, 2022. The law requires businesses with four or more employees to state minimum and maximum salary ranges in job postings. The state law goes into effect on September 17, 2023, also affecting companies with four or more employees. The state law requires the disclosure of compensation or the range of compensation listed as either annual salary or hourly range. The state law requires employers to keep records showing their compliance, plus a history of compensation ranges for each job, but it does not supersede local laws such as the one in New York City.
The state has added several categories to the definition of family members for paid sick leave. The law allows employees to get up to 67% of their normal salary for up to 12 weeks when caring for a family member. The allowable family members now include siblings, including biological, adopted, half-siblings or step-siblings. The act allows workers to help care for a family member with a severe health condition.
Building on the enactment of the Adult Survivors Act, all businesses should remain aware of heightened litigation risks related to the conduct of former or current employees. The act, which went into law on November 24, 2022, gives employees one year to file a claim against an alleged abuser, but enablers of the alleged abusers, including employers, may also be liable. Companies may be held liable for the conduct of employees under vicarious liability or negligence for years or even decades after an alleged incident.
In 2022, the state legislature amended the New York State Human Rights Law to prohibit the release of someone's personnel file in retaliation for a person's protected activity. An amendment to the law signed into law late in 2022 explicitly provides protection from discrimination based on an individual's immigration or citizenship status. Furthermore, language in New York's labor and executive law must reflect changes in the terms "alien" and "illegal alien," changing them to "noncitizen" and undocumented citizen."
Employees who nurse now have expanded protections that include providing a reasonable unpaid break time or allowing someone to use paid break or meal time to express breast milk. An employer must designate a room or other acceptable location for an employee upon request and must provide that employee with the written policy regarding their rights to express breast milk following the birth of a child. The employer must provide a chair, working surface and nearby access to running water for nursing employees. Restrooms and toilet stalls do not meet these requirements.
To get a driver's license in New York, new drivers must complete a curriculum on how to drive safely around pedestrians and bicyclists. This move is essential as accidents involving both have increased in recent years. Student drivers will undergo testing on the subject as part of their written exams. The purpose of the new law is to give new drivers a higher level of awareness.
Violations of New York laws can frequently lead to personal injuries when your employer or others have violated them. New laws can make it easier for victims to bring claims against employers and others who have violated their rights.
If you believe you have sustained injuries due to illegal actions of your employers or others, you can file a suit to recover damages. Contact Ajlouny Law today at (718) 233-3913 to schedule your FREE, no-obligation consultation.
The Law Office Of Ajlouny Injury Law serves New York City, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Long Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County.
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