Schuyler County Attorney Highlights Key New York State Laws Taking Effect in 2026

As New Yorkers prepare to ring in the new year, several significant laws are set to take effect in 2026 that will impact residents across the state, including those in Schuyler County. Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman today outlined some of the most important changes, emphasizing their potential effects on workers, businesses, consumers and public safety.

"These new laws reflect ongoing efforts to address economic pressures, enhance transparency and protect vulnerable populations," Getman said. "While many apply statewide, their implications will be felt locally in Schuyler County, from our rural workforce to small businesses and families."
Among the key changes:

• Minimum wage increase: Effective Jan. 1, the state's minimum wage will rise to $17 per hour in New York City, Long Island and Westchester County, and $16 per hour in the rest of the state, including Schuyler County. This adjustment aims to help workers cope with rising living costs, potentially boosting local economies through increased spending. However, small businesses and employers in rural areas like Schuyler County may face higher operational expenses, which could lead to adjustments in pricing or staffing.
• LLC Transparency Act: Starting Jan. 1, most limited liability companies must disclose their beneficial owners to the state, targeting anonymous shell companies used for financial crimes. This will promote accountability in business dealings, particularly in real estate, helping tenants and residents identify true property owners and aiding law enforcement in investigations. In Schuyler County, where agriculture and small enterprises are prominent, this could reduce fraud and enhance trust in local transactions.
• Stricter driver points system: Effective February 2026, the threshold for driver's license suspension drops to 10 points within 24 months, with increased points for common violations like speeding, cell phone use and reckless driving. Designed to improve road safety, this change may lead to more suspensions statewide, encouraging safer driving habits. Schuyler County residents, who rely heavily on personal vehicles in rural areas, should review their driving records to avoid penalties that could disrupt daily commutes and work.
• Subscription cancellation protections: As of Jan. 1, companies must make canceling subscriptions as straightforward as signing up, banning hidden or complicated processes. This consumer safeguard will empower New Yorkers to manage their finances better, reducing unwanted charges. In Schuyler County, where residents may subscribe to services like streaming or farm supplies, this could save time and money for households.
• Expanded unemployment benefits and worker protections: In 2026, wage theft will be treated as larceny, unemployment benefits will increase with broader coverage for striking workers and temporary layoffs, and freelance protections will extend statewide. These measures strengthen labor rights, providing greater financial security for workers. In Schuyler County, with its mix of seasonal tourism, agriculture and small businesses, this could support employees during economic fluctuations.
• Medical Aid in Dying Act: Expected to take effect mid-2026, terminally ill adults meeting strict criteria may request life-ending medication under medical supervision. This controversial law expands end-of-life options, impacting healthcare providers and families statewide. Schuyler County residents facing terminal illnesses may gain more autonomy, though it raises ethical considerations for local medical professionals.

Getman noted that while these laws aim to benefit New Yorkers, their full effects will depend on implementation and individual circumstances. He encouraged residents to stay informed through official state resources.
Anyone with questions about these or other laws is urged to contact a qualified attorney of their own choosing.  
As County Attorney, Getman is the chief legal advisor for county government and is responsible for the prosecution and defense of civil actions brought by and against the county,

New York State laws taking effect in 2024

Nexstar Media Inc. reports on some of the new laws taking effect in New York State in 2024, including:

• Increasing the minimum wage.

• Raising the Age for Operation of ATVs by minors.
• Requiring religious dietary food options in prisons.
• Mandating free menstrual products in non-public schools.
• Declaring Lunar New Year as school holiday.
• Expanding victims and survivors of crime eligibility for compensation funds.
• Requiring skimming notices for EBT cards in stores.
• Prohibiting employers from accessing employees’ social media accounts.
• Encouraging student voter registration and pre-registration.

For more on these new laws, including the text of each, click here.

Sexual Harassment Complaint Hotline Established for New York

New York State has created a toll-free confidential hotline for complaints of workplace sexual harassment.

The new law also provides free legal assistance to individuals who contact the hotline. The New York State Division of Human Rights intends to recruit experienced attorneys acting in a pro bono capacity to provide legal advice to complainants.

Once the hotline is established, New York employers will be required to include information about the hotline in any materials they are required to post or provide to employees regarding sexual harassment.

The law regarding the hotline goes into effect on July 14, 2022. For more information about the hotline, click here.

New York’s New Policing Reforms Go into Effect

The “New York State Professional Policing Act (PPA) of 2021” went into effect on October 16.

Among the changes are minimum hiring standards for all new law enforcement officers, including:

• New Medical and Physical Fitness Standards and Procedures for Police; and
• A New Central State Registry of Police Officers and Peace Officers.

New procedures related to background checks and a psychological assessment are also included in the new law.

For more information, click here.

Interim Guidance on Requiring Face Coverings for Employees Interacting with the Public During the COVID-19 Outbreak

New York State Executive Order 202.16, issued on April 12, 2020, provides the following directive:

For all essential businesses or entities, any employees who are present in the workplace shall be provided and shall wear face coverings when in direct contact with customers or members of the public. Businesses must provide, at their expense, such face coverings for their employees. This provision may be enforced by local governments or local law enforcement as if it were an order pursuant to section 12 or 12 -b of the Public Health Law. This requirement shall be effective Wednesday April 15 at 8 pm. 

Under this order, essential businesses, as well as state and local government agencies and authorities, must procure, fashion, or otherwise obtain face coverings and provide such coverings to employees who directly interact with the public during the course of their work at no-cost to the employee.

For additional information, employers can visit the New York State Coronavirus (COVID-19) Website or  the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus (COVID-19) Website.

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Halloween 2018: Be Safe, Avoid Lawsuits, Have Fun

With the growing popularity of Halloween as a holiday, both children and adults are cautioned to put safety first.

Many law enforcement and public safety agencies are issuing reminders nationwide to follow simple safety tips to ensure a safe Halloween, including:

* Warn children about the dangers of

crossing the street.
* Avoid Trick or Treating on very busy streets.
* Always have your children use a sidewalk when there is one.
* To increase visibility, have your children carry a flashlight or glow sticks.
* Apply reflect tape or stickers to costumes.
* Make sure the costume fits your child properly before they venture out, making sure they can see out of their mask.
* Always chaperone in groups.

The National Law Journal reminds us that holiday celebrations in the workplace can create legal issues for employers and that Halloween is no exception:

With Halloween just around the corner, labor and employment attorneys are warning employers that the annual holiday could get scary — in a legal way — if costumes, or a work party, get out of hand.

Specifically, costumes that carry a political or social message, or are simply too raunchy for the workplace, could lead to a liability nightmare down the road.

[A]nother potential liability with Halloween: personal injury suits.

Above all, simple common sense can do a lot to prevent tragedies--and resulting lawsuits--from happening. Halloween is an enjoyable holiday for the entire family. Stay safe, stay smart and have fun.

New York Public Employees Will Be Entitled to Paid Leave for Cancer Screenings

New York State has amended Civil Service Law to entitle most public sector employees to take up to four hours of paid leave per year to be screened for all types of cancers.

Currently, the law allowed paid leave only for screenings for breast cancer and prostate cancer. The new law provides for these screenings without deducting any leave time (e.g., sick, personal, or vacation) from the employee.

The new law is effective March 18, 2018. For more on the legislation, click here.

U.S. Department of Labor announces new overtime rules

The United States Department of Labor has finalized its overtime rule amending the “white collar” exemptions to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

This rule is expected to cause 4.2 million employees nationwide, including some 380,000 in New York State, to become eligible for overtime pay.

The Department estimates that the new rule will cost employers approximately $12 billion over the next ten years.

For more on the new rules click here.

#DVFree: Implementing the Human Right to be Free from Domestic Violence

A panel discussion will be head Tuesday, October 20th at 12:20 p.m. in Saperston Student Lounge, G65 Myron Taylor Hall, Cornell University:

"#DVFree: Implementing the Human Right to be Free from Domestic Violence in Tompkins County, NY."

Panelists will discuss their work in drafting guidelines for employers to protect victims of domestic violence.

The panel will include Heather Campbell, Executive Director, Advocacy Center of Tompkins County, Alexander Gutierrez, J.D. Candidate and member of the Global Gender Justice Clinic, Carolina Morales, J.D. Candidate and member of the Global Gender Justice Clinic, and Amanda Reynoso-Palley, J.D. Candidate and member of the Global Gender Justice Clinic.

The panel is sponsored by Cornell Law School’s Global Gender Justice Clinic and the Avon Global Center for Women and Justice.

Lunch will be served. Interested attendees should RSVP by Monday, October 19 to Christina Price, cmp265@cornell.edu.