January
New York City implements congestion pricing on January 5.
On January 7, S7703B/A8450B requires the buyer and seller of a limited-use motorcycle—a moped or motor scooter—to register the vehicle with the state.
S7503B/A1910B requires operating manuals to come with lithium-ion batteries, electric bikes, scooters, and related devices that explain, in various languages, how to use and store them safely.
S7744D/A8310C requires stores and dealers to put safety stickers on electric bikes and micromobility devices like scooters, telling riders to obey traffic laws, yield to pedestrians, and not to ride on the sidewalk when it’s not allowed locally.
S6649/A2882 requires gun dealers to post warnings about the risks of using guns—like suicide or accidental deaths—and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number. Licensing officers also have to provide this warning to people with permits.
Starting January 12, S8865/A5790B makes assisted living facilities transparently share quality reports and pricing details, both online and on-site. It lets top-performing facilities earn “advanced standing”—meaning fewer inspections—and lets facilities get accredited.
S2464B/A6957A requires car washes to clearly share expiration dates for promotions, related costs, and how often the costs apply in ads, online, and on-site or risk a $500 fine per violation.
February
On February 6, S3340/A5873 creates a computerized statewide registry for extreme risk protection orders, making them easier to track and enforce by sharing them with the right agencies.
Starting February 9, S7544/A7173 requires all state agencies to appoint at least one employee as a veterans’ liaison to help veterans with services, keep communication flowing, and make sure their needs are met across different agencies.
As of February 11, S7462B/A10529 lets retired teachers who return to public service combine their service credit earned before and after retirement if they’ve worked at least two years. They must pay back their previous pension or accept a reduced benefit.
March
As of March 11, S5992A/A6168A requires maternal healthcare facilities to let expecting and new mothers have access to their designated doulas during delivery and inpatient care.
On March 13, S7781A/A9169A requires New York prisons—through the commissioner of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision—to create yearly plans to protect inmates and staff from extreme heat, mandating access to fans, water, ice, and cooling stations.
S4674A/A5803B creates a statewide registry to track Parkinson’s disease cases, requiring doctors to report diagnoses while letting patients opt out of sharing detailed information.
S5502/A4199 requires courts and district attorneys to give crime victims and their families or guardians detailed information about their rights, including free copies of parole hearing transcripts.
Conclusion
This article provides an overview of the new laws taking effect in New York in the first quarter of 2025. From moped registrations to doulas to flu shots, these laws aim to improve public safety, provide better services, and increase transparency. It is essential for citizens to be aware of these changes to ensure a smooth transition.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the new law requiring moped registrations?
A: The law aims to improve public safety by requiring the buyer and seller of limited-use motorcycles to register the vehicle with the state.
Q: What is the purpose of the new law requiring gun dealers to post warnings about the risks of using guns?
A: The law aims to reduce the risk of suicide or accidental deaths by requiring gun dealers to post warnings about the risks of using guns.
Q: What is the purpose of the new law making assisted living facilities transparently share quality reports and pricing details?
A: The law aims to increase transparency and accountability by requiring assisted living facilities to share quality reports and pricing details online and on-site.
Q: What is the purpose of the new law requiring car washes to clearly share expiration dates for promotions?
A: The law aims to protect consumers by requiring car washes to clearly share expiration dates for promotions, related costs, and how often the costs apply in ads, online, and on-site.
