Minimum wage increase, paid prenatal leave, and other state laws go into effect Jan. 1
New York State Capitol Building (file)
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The start of a new year on Wednesday means new laws will go into effect in New York State.
News10NBC has been reporting on how some of these laws could impact people who live in the Rochester area. Here’s a list of some of the law changes to expect:
Minimum wage increase (starts Jan. 1)
Workers across the state making minimum wage are getting a raise of 50 cents in 2025. The minimum wage is increasing to $15.50 an hour across most of the state and increasing to $16.50 an hour across New York City and the downstate counties of Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester. You can learn about the history of the state’s minimum wage here.
Paid prenatal leave (starts Jan. 1)
All privately employed pregnant New Yorkers are getting an additional 20 hours of paid leave for prenatal care in addition to their existing sick leave. It doesn’t matter what size company you work for, how long you’ve worked there, or whether you work full-time or part-time.
News10NBC spoke to a head OBGYN at the University of Rochester Medical Center about how the new law can encourage people to make their necessary prenatal care visits.
Equal Rights Amendment expansion (starts Jan. 1)
The State Constitution will get an expansion to its Equal Rights Amendment after voters approved the proposition on their ballot.
The State Constitution currently protects against unequal treatment based on race, color, creed, and religion. The expansion to the amendment will also add ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, and reproductive health care to that list. You can hear from proponents and opponents of the proposition in this story.
Puppy Mill Pipeline Law (went into effect Dec. 15)
A law banning the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits at retail pet stores across the state is now in effect, aiming to shut down the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline. People can still buy pets from certified breeders and adopt them from shelters. The law also allows pet stores to charge shelters rent to use the stores’ space for adoptions.
News10NBC spoke with the manager of Pet World in East Rochester for her reaction to the new law.
$0 Out-of-Pocket Expense for Insulin (starts Jan. 1)
New York is the first state in the nation to eliminate any cost-sharing for insulin. That means, no co-pays, no co-insurance and no deductibles for those who need it. Previously, out-of-pocket expenses were capped at $100 per month but now, it’s $0. The new law applies to people covered by individual, small or large insurance policies and contracts.
Insurers Must Cover Diagnostic Test for Dyslexia (starts Jan. 1)
Private insurance companies in New York must now cover the cost of a test that parents need to determine if their child has dyslexia. A neuropsychological examination is normally required for diagnosis but often can cost more than $5,000. Depending on a plan, previously, it may have only been partially covered.
EpiPen Out-of-Pocket Expenses Capped at $100 (starts Jan. 1)
Health insurers now mandated to cover EpiPens and caps the amount consumers will be required to pay out-of-pocket at $100. EpiPen devices are used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions in individuals who are at risk or have a history of anaphylaxis, which can be caused by insect bites or stings, foods, medications, environmental exposures, exercise and other unknown causes.
Other Laws Going into Effect (starting Jan. 1)
Hotels with fewer than 50 rooms banned from using small plastic containers for personal care items (larger hotels previously banned).
Health insurance companies must cover prenatal vitamins if prescribed by a licensed medical provider.
Loan companies prevented from tacking on predatory charges for administrative, handling or clerical fees for lease turn-ins.
Health insurance companies must cover nipple-area tattoos by medical professionals done as part of breast reconstructive surgery.
High-rise buildings now required to have an emergency evacuation plan in place for people with disabilities.
Retail worker safety act requires employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence.