In 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a multitude of bills into law in New York, ushering in changes ranging from increased minimum wages to expanded Medicaid coverage for doula services, and introducing protections for LGBTQ residents in nursing homes, among other significant reforms. These legislative developments will have a profound impact on various aspects of New Yorkers' lives in 2024 and beyond.
In 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul signed approximately 900 bills into law, with many of them set to become effective in 2024. These laws will impact various aspects of New Yorkers' lives. They include measures acknowledging new school holidays like the Lunar New Year and Diwali, as well as introducing enhanced protections for freelance workers and imposing additional regulations for licensed cosmetologists.
New York's minimum wage is set to undergo changes in 2024. In New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, the minimum wage will increase to $16 per hour, while in the rest of the state, it will rise to $15 per hour. These rates will see additional 50-cent increases in 2025 and 2026, and future increases across the state will be tied to inflation.
The decision to raise the minimum wage in New York City by $2 to reach $17 by 2026, as outlined in the previous year's state budget agreement, received mixed support. Some Republican lawmakers expressed concerns about potential job losses, while progressive Democrats advocated for a higher minimum wage exceeding $21.
The state's wage will continue to be more than double the federal minimum wage, which is currently set at $7.25 per hour and is becoming less significant over time.
Starting this summer, a new law will go into effect, mandating that Medicaid includes coverage for doula services for residents of New York. Additionally, the state's Department of Health will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a directory of doulas.
This legislation was introduced as a response to the concerning rise in infant and maternal mortality rates across the country, particularly affecting low-income and minority communities. A 2023 report revealed that Black and Native American mothers are approximately three times more likely to experience maternal mortality during and after pregnancy compared to white and Hispanic mothers, with their infants facing up to twice the risk of mortality.
Doulas, while not certified as medical professionals, play a crucial role in providing emotional, physical, and educational support to pregnant women before, during, and after childbirth.
In the coming months, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities will be explicitly prohibited from engaging in discrimination against residents based on their perceived or actual sexual orientation, gender identity, or H.I.V. status.
This new law introduces a "bill of rights" for residents who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or H.I.V. positive. It outlines specific actions that could violate their rights, including denying admission, evicting a resident, refusing room-sharing requests, and intentionally not using a resident's preferred name or pronouns.
The decision to enact this law was prompted by a report indicating that 78 percent of older L.G.B.T.Q. adults felt unable to be open about their sexual orientation or gender identity with staff in long-term care facilities. The study also revealed that a majority of respondents anticipated discrimination from other residents and potential mistreatment or neglect by staff members if they disclosed their identities.
Discrimination against same-sex couples is unfortunately not uncommon in nursing homes in the United States. Even in progressive cities like New York, older L.G.B.T.Q. adults have reported facing instances of discrimination.
A new regulation will make it mandatory for all private middle and high schools to supply free menstrual hygiene products in student restroom facilities. This requirement aligns with the existing statewide mandate for public schools serving students from the sixth through twelfth grades to offer these products since 2018.
State Senator Iwen Chu, speaking on behalf of Governor Hochul's office, highlighted that 25% of girls and women experiencing menstruation lack access to necessary products. The introduction of this new law aims to address the issue of "stigma around menstruation and menstrual inequalities” affecting thousands of students in New York.
“Without these products, students are likely to miss classes and school days,” Senator Chu said, adding: “Menstruation is not a choice, but removing the barrier to product access is.”
Under a new law aimed at educating young individuals “that their voice matters in the political process,” the majority of schools in New York will now be mandated to offer eligible students voter registration and preregistration forms during the academic year. Preregistration enables 16- and 17-year-olds to secure their ability to vote once they reach the age of 18.
This legislation, designed to encourage sustained civic involvement following years of low voter turnout among young demographics, also obligates schools to assist students in completing the registration forms.
Before individuals with prior felony convictions are released from a state correctional facility, they will now receive notifications about the restoration of their voting rights, both verbally and in writing.
Additionally, the chief administrative officer of the facility is required to furnish departing individuals with a voter registration application and extend assistance in completing it, should they opt to do so.