New in 2025: What You Need to Know About New York's New Laws

As the calendar flips to 2025, New York is implementing new laws aimed at improving healthcare, strengthening workplace protections, and enhancing consumer rights. Here’s a breakdown of the most impactful changes and how they may affect your daily life.

New York’s 2025 Laws: What They Mean for You

Healthcare Reforms

Several new laws aim to make healthcare more accessible and equitable:

Special Enrollment for Pregnancy
Expectant mothers can now enroll in health insurance penalty-free under S201/A2656. Coverage is retroactive to the month of pregnancy certification, ensuring seamless access to vital care during this critical time.
Affordable Epinephrine Auto-Injectors
Under S7114A/A6425, health insurance must cover at least two EpiPens per year, capping out-of-pocket costs at $100. This ensures life-saving medication is within reach for individuals with severe allergies.
Coverage for Breast Reconstruction Tattoos
S6146A/A5729A requires insurance to cover nipple-area tattoos performed by licensed professionals as part of breast reconstruction surgery, offering emotional and physical healing for those recovering from cancer.
Expanded Access to Donor Milk
S6674A/A7790A mandates insurance coverage for pasteurized donor human milk for at-risk infants with specific medical needs, broadening access beyond inpatient use.
No Out-of-Pocket Costs for Insulin
Beginning in 2025, insurance providers must eliminate all out-of-pocket costs for insulin, removing financial barriers for diabetes management.
Prenatal Vitamin Coverage
S1965A/A3865A ensures insurance plans include prescribed prenatal vitamins, promoting maternal and fetal health.
Neuropsychological Testing for Dyslexia
S5481A/A2898A requires insurance to cover neuropsychological testing for dyslexia, facilitating early diagnosis and intervention.

Workplace Protections and Employee Benefits

New measures strengthen workers’ rights and benefits:

Paid Prenatal Leave
Pregnant employees now have 20 hours of paid leave specifically for prenatal care, separate from existing sick leave entitlements. Employers cannot request private health information or retaliate against workers using this benefit.
Expanded Workers’ Compensation
S6635/A5745 extends mental health coverage under Workers’ Compensation to all workers, not just first responders. This includes conditions like post-traumatic stress sustained on the job.

Consumer Protection and Environmental Measures

Legislation addresses consumer rights and environmental sustainability:

Ban on Plastic Hotel Toiletries
S543/A5082 extends the ban on single-use plastic containers in hotels to include establishments with fewer than 50 rooms, reducing waste and pollution.
Protection Against Predatory Lease Fees
S4778/A7167 prohibits unfair charges for undamaged leased vehicles returned within mileage limits, safeguarding consumers from exploitative practices.
Digital Replica Protections
S7676B/A8138B voids contracts that use unauthorized digital replicas, such as deepfakes or holograms, ensuring privacy and protection in the digital age.
Transparency in Workplace Medical Exams
S8948/A9935 mandates employers to disclose all records and communications regarding medical exams and provide documentation to employees, enhancing fairness and accountability.

Additional Notable Changes

Emergency Evacuation Plans for High-Rises
High-rise buildings must now have evacuation plans for individuals with disabilities. Non-compliance will result in a $500 fine.
Organized Ballots
S5943/A725 ensures ballots are structured consistently, listing federal and statewide offices first, followed by other categories, making voting more straightforward.
Abortion Rights Amendment
Effective January 1, New York includes abortion rights in its constitution, reaffirming access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare.
COVID-19 Leave Expiration
Protections under COVID-19 leave will officially end on July 31, 2025, signaling a shift from pandemic-era policies.

Quirky New York Laws Still on the Books

While New York's new laws focus on progress, some older laws are still hanging around and make you wonder: why?

For example, did you know it’s illegal to wear slippers after 10 p.m. in New York City? Apparently, it’s about maintaining decorum in public spaces—because nothing says "respectability" like a pair of stiff shoes.

Did you know, it's illegal to throw balls at people in New York City Parks?

Also, in Greene County, it’s technically against the law to walk backward while eating peanuts at a concert. Good luck enforcing that one! It's also illegal to walk with ice cream in your pocket on Sundays in NYC... But Tuesdays are just fine.

A license is required to hang clothes on a clothesline in NYC because they want to make sure you won't be hanging anything too salacious.

A law in New York State exists to prevent flirting on the street. The verbiage actually prohibits men from "looking at a woman in that way".

It's illegal for women to wear body-hugging clothing but women can go topless.

The Most Deadly and Dangerous Places in New York

We all know New York has no shortage of stunning natural landscapes and thrilling adventures, but some of those jaw-dropping spots come with a serious warning label. Whether you're a hiker, a road-tripper, or someone looking for a day of exploration, it’s important to stay aware of where things can get dangerous. From waterfalls with unseen ledges to treacherous hiking trails, here’s a roundup of the most dangerous places in New York.

Your Free Tarot Horoscope- September 15th - September 21st 2024

Here's your outlook for the week of September 15th - September 21st 2024. If you stumble on this after that, you can use that guidance for your week then.

Gallery Credit: Dave Wheeler