New laws for New York in 2025

Here is a list of some of the new laws taking effect in 2025:

• The New York State the Equal Rights Amendment.
• Transparency from telemarketers
• Deterring cell phone theft
• Making it easier to cancel health club contracts
• Banning certain fees on leased cars
• Posting restaurant inspection grades
• Paid leave for some expectant mothers
• Expanded access to childcare
• Raising New York’s minimum wage
• Expanced coverage for persons with severe job-related stress
• Expedited payment of unclaimed funds
• Regulating classroom temperatures
• Labels on drugs and cosmetics
• Disclosing diaper ingredients
• Cracking down on hate-fueled threats
• Insurance coverage for dyslexia exams
• Expanded protection against domestic violence
• Seat belts required on charter buses

Student Law Day 2025 Art Contest Announced

Press release:

In celebration of Law Day 2025—commemorated annually in May to highlight our nation’s rule of law—the courts’ Office for Justice Initiatives’

Division of Access to Justice and the Historical Society of the New York Courts invite high school students statewide to participate in an art contest inspired by the American Bar Association’s 2025 Law Day theme, “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One.”

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Submissions should be original pieces of art that depict what the Law Day 2025 theme means to the artist. All submissions must be received by February 25, 2025. The winners will be announced on May 1, 2025. This year, the contest will consist of two rounds. In the first round, entries will be judged against others within the same judicial district. The first-place winners in each judicial district will then advance to the second round to compete statewide. First, second, and third-place statewide prize winners will be selected from the second round and awarded cash prizes, courtesy of the Historical Society of the New York Courts, and have their artwork featured on the court system’s website.

For more information, click here.

Second Amendment Legal Update, December 2024

A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State. For a complete copy of this month’s report, click here.

Schuyler County Officials Warns Seniors About Gift Card Scams During the Holidays

In an effort to inform and protect senior citizens and other consumers during the holidays, Schuyler County officials Tuesday (November 19) warned the public to be wary of gift card scams.

“As we enter the holiday season, we want to educate the public on potential scams, including those involving gift cards,” said Office for the Aging Director Tammy Waite.

According to Waite, gift card scams are a common type of fraud that targets older adults. Scammers may call, email, or text, claiming to be from a government agency, financial institution, or well-known company. They may tell the victim that they have won a prize, that their account has been compromised, or that they need to pay a fee to avoid a penalty. The scammer will then ask the target to purchase a gift card and provide the gift card number and PIN number to the scammer.

“Only scammers will tell you to buy a gift card, like a Walmart Card or Amazon Card and give them the numbers off the back of the card,” stated Schuyler County Sheriff Kevin Rumsey. “No matter what they say, that’s a scam. No legitimate business or government agency will ever tell you to buy a gift card to pay them.”

“Gift card scams are a growing threat, and we urge consumers to be cautious when purchasing and using gift cards,” Rumsey continued. “If you suspect a scam, do not hesitate to report it."

In addition, Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman urged victims report any scam directly to the gift card company immediately.

“No matter how long ago the scam happened, report it,” Getman said. “Always keep a copy of your gift card and store receipt. Use them to report suspected fraud to the issuer. Some companies are helping stop gift card scams and may give your money back if you ask.”

Said District Attorney Joe Fazzary, “the sad reality is that thieves pray upon our senior citizen community. They do this in a multitude of ways, many of which include demanding money from the victim for something that may appear legitimate. It may also come in the form of a threat that something bad will happen if they don’t follow the scammer’s instruction. The scammer may use an email address that seems similar to one the victim knows thereby suggesting that the request for money is coming from a friend or colleague, legitimate business, or government official. Frequently, the demand or request will be for gift cards from a legitimate business, requiring the victim to purchase the card and then provide the card number to requestor. This will most likely always be a scam. Billions of dollars are stolen from senior citizens by this method every year. If anyone has a question about whether a request for gift cards or any other type of monetary payment is a scam, they should immediately contact law enforcement or the District Attorney’s Office.”

Schuyler County officials offered the following tips on how to recognize and avoid gift card scams during the holiday season:

• Gift card scams start with a call, text, email, or social media message. Scammers will say almost anything to get you to buy gift cards — like Google Play, Apple, or Amazon cards — and hand over the card number and PIN codes.

• Scammers will say it’s urgent. They will say to pay them right away or something terrible will happen. They don’t want you to have time to think about what they’re saying or talk to someone you trust.
• Scammers will tell you which gift card to buy (and where). They might say to put money on an eBay, Google Play, Target, or Apple gift card. They might send you to a specific store — such as Walmart CVS, or other chain stores. Sometimes they’ll tell you to buy cards at several stores, so cashiers won’t get suspicious. The scammer also might stay on the phone with you while you go to the store and load money onto the card. Hang up immediately.
• Scammers will ask you for the gift card number and PIN. The card number and PIN on the back of the card let the scammer get the money you loaded onto the card — even if you still have the card itself. Don’t give them those numbers or send them a photo of the card.

Schuyler County urges those who believe they are victims of a scam to contact the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office at 607-535-8222 or in an emergency dial 911. Outside of Schuyler County, complaints can be filed with any local law enforcement agency or to the New York State Consumer Frauds Bureau by calling 1-800-771-7755.