The new year is here and with it, some major changes to laws across the State. In the first month of 2024, minimum wage in New York City and on Long Island increased to $16 per hour. In addition, the State’s new law requiring public bodies to record their meetings should help to increase transparency. Other new legislation affects data breaches, housing and student safety.
The legislative process starts with a policy idea. This can come from a senator’s constituents, an organization that is advocating for a particular issue or even a local government or State official. Once this idea has been settled on, it must be drafted as a bill so that it can be considered by the Senate for passage into law. A bill is an official written rule created by a legislature such as Congress or other governing body.
Once a bill is completed, it is sent to the Governor for signature or veto. The Governor has 10 days to sign the bill or reject it. If the Governor signs the bill, it becomes law. If the Governor rejects it, then the bill is sent back to the House that passed it with a statement explaining the reason for rejection. If two-thirds of the members of both houses vote to override the Governor’s veto, then the bill becomes law.
If the Governor does not sign or reject a bill within 10 days, it becomes law without her signature. If she rejects the bill, then it is returned to the House that passed it with a detailed statement of the reasons for rejection. If the Governor rejects a bill for the second time, then it is automatically overridden and becomes law.
A new law affecting student safety on college campuses will allow victims and survivors to apply for crime victim compensation funds in more cases. Another new law will decrease the chances of accidental fentanyl or drug adulterant overdoses by allowing health care providers and pharmacists to give out free testing supplies. Another law, named after Matthew Horan who died of an overdose in 2020, will make it easier for families to get the financial support they need to pay for funeral costs and other expenses.
While the concept of “law new” can be difficult to define, it’s one that all legal firms should consider in order to expand their scope and help more people. A well thought out plan incorporating this type of practice can open up new pathways to revenue and client satisfaction for any firm.