Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2019 12:10:59 GMT -5
New 2020 laws in New York state: Grocery bags, paid family leave, voter registration, more
Today 6:00 AM
Syracuse, N.Y. – New laws for 2020 in New York bring changes that will affect shoppers, voters, families and farms. Here’s a look at what’s coming in the new year:
Paid family leave
As of Jan. 1, eligible workers will have access to 10 weeks of paid time off to care for a new child, a family member or assist loved ones during a military deployment. For the first time, some farm workers are included under the family leave policy.
Workers taking family leave in 2020 can get 60 percent of their average weekly pay. The maximum benefit for 2020 is $840.70 per week.
IVF coverage
Starting Jan. 1, state law requires private, large-group health plans serving more than 100 employees to cover up to three cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) for infertile members. Individual, small- and large-group health plans, meanwhile, will be required to cover fertility preservation services, such as egg or sperm freezing, for members whose medical treatment will render them infertile, such as cancer patients who need radiation.
Expanded mental health coverage
Health insurers, starting Jan. 1, must limit co-pays or coinsurance for outpatient mental health treatment and treatment for addiction. There are also new prohibitions on preauthorization requirements for certain inpatient treatments.
Guaranteed contraception coverage
New York adopted federal laws that provide free over-the-counter and emergency contraceptives, such as the morning-after pill. The state’s version of the law takes effect Jan. 1.
Sexual harassment claims
Starting Aug. 12, the state’s statute of limitations for filing a sexual harassment complaint will extend from one to three years.
Plastic bag ban
March 1 is the first day for BYOB: Bring your own bag. That’s the day when the ban of single-use plastic bags in grocery stores, convenience stores and other retail outlets goes into effect. Some plastic will remain, such as for produce or prescription drugs. But at the checkout, it’s either paper or your own brought-from-home shopping bag.
New alcohol limit for hunters
A new law will lower the legal threshold for hunters from .10 blood alcohol level to .08 – the same standard used if a person is driving a car or a boat while intoxicated. The law goes into effect Sept. 1.
Boating safety
Currently, state law only required those born after May 1, 1996, to complete a boater safety course in order to drive a motor boat. A new law, called Brianna’s Law, expands that requirement. Under the 5-year, phase-in plan, all motor boat operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1993 must complete a safety course to operate a motor boat beginning in 2020.
Open adoption records
For the first time since 1935 when the state sealed adoption records, adoptees will be able to obtain their original birth certificate when they turn 18 and find out the names of their birth parents. The new law goes into effect Jan. 15.
Voter registration for teens
Starting Jan. 1, teens 16 and 17 years old can pre-register to vote. Also new this year: primaries will be 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. statewide. Previously, primaries in Upstate counties were from noon to 9 p.m.
And a reminder: People have until Feb. 14 to register in a political party, or to change party affiliation, before New York’s April presidential primary.
Banning cash bail
New York will ban cash bail for misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, starting Jan. 1. The change will eliminate pre-trial detention for an estimated 90 percent of arrests, according to the Brennan Center. Advocates for the law say it will decrease the amount of people who await their trial or sentencing inside a jail just because they don’t have enough money to post bail. Many law enforcement officials say it will limit judge’s abilities to keep accused criminals off the streets. The new law also requires prosecutors to turn over evidence to defense lawyers more quickly.
Farm labor laws
Starting Jan. 1, farmworkers across New York have the right to unionize. The new law also requires farmers to set a 60-hour work week for workers and allow them at least 24 consecutive hours of rest each week.
Minimum wage increase
Workers across Upstate will get a new minimum wage, starting Dec. 31, 2019. The hourly rate will go from $11.10 an hour to $11.80 an hour.
Enhanced driver’s licenses
Planning to fly on Oct. 1 or later? Then you’re going to need an enhanced driver’s license. This is a federal requirement, but it’s likely it’ll take you to your New York state DMV office.
EZPasses and the Thruway
There’s no new law requiring motorists to get an EZPass. Yet consider this a reminder: By the end of 2020, the New York Thruway will stop taking cash tolls. Drivers with EZPasses will be billed as they are now. Those without the passes will receive a bill in the mail from the Thruway.
Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.
www.syracuse.com/state/2019/12/new-2020-laws-in-new-york-state-grocery-bags-paid-family-leave-voter-registration-more.html
I expect problems ahead with Farmers who own there own farm especially small dairy farms.
Today 6:00 AM
Syracuse, N.Y. – New laws for 2020 in New York bring changes that will affect shoppers, voters, families and farms. Here’s a look at what’s coming in the new year:
Paid family leave
As of Jan. 1, eligible workers will have access to 10 weeks of paid time off to care for a new child, a family member or assist loved ones during a military deployment. For the first time, some farm workers are included under the family leave policy.
Workers taking family leave in 2020 can get 60 percent of their average weekly pay. The maximum benefit for 2020 is $840.70 per week.
IVF coverage
Starting Jan. 1, state law requires private, large-group health plans serving more than 100 employees to cover up to three cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) for infertile members. Individual, small- and large-group health plans, meanwhile, will be required to cover fertility preservation services, such as egg or sperm freezing, for members whose medical treatment will render them infertile, such as cancer patients who need radiation.
Expanded mental health coverage
Health insurers, starting Jan. 1, must limit co-pays or coinsurance for outpatient mental health treatment and treatment for addiction. There are also new prohibitions on preauthorization requirements for certain inpatient treatments.
Guaranteed contraception coverage
New York adopted federal laws that provide free over-the-counter and emergency contraceptives, such as the morning-after pill. The state’s version of the law takes effect Jan. 1.
Sexual harassment claims
Starting Aug. 12, the state’s statute of limitations for filing a sexual harassment complaint will extend from one to three years.
Plastic bag ban
March 1 is the first day for BYOB: Bring your own bag. That’s the day when the ban of single-use plastic bags in grocery stores, convenience stores and other retail outlets goes into effect. Some plastic will remain, such as for produce or prescription drugs. But at the checkout, it’s either paper or your own brought-from-home shopping bag.
New alcohol limit for hunters
A new law will lower the legal threshold for hunters from .10 blood alcohol level to .08 – the same standard used if a person is driving a car or a boat while intoxicated. The law goes into effect Sept. 1.
Boating safety
Currently, state law only required those born after May 1, 1996, to complete a boater safety course in order to drive a motor boat. A new law, called Brianna’s Law, expands that requirement. Under the 5-year, phase-in plan, all motor boat operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1993 must complete a safety course to operate a motor boat beginning in 2020.
Open adoption records
For the first time since 1935 when the state sealed adoption records, adoptees will be able to obtain their original birth certificate when they turn 18 and find out the names of their birth parents. The new law goes into effect Jan. 15.
Voter registration for teens
Starting Jan. 1, teens 16 and 17 years old can pre-register to vote. Also new this year: primaries will be 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. statewide. Previously, primaries in Upstate counties were from noon to 9 p.m.
And a reminder: People have until Feb. 14 to register in a political party, or to change party affiliation, before New York’s April presidential primary.
Banning cash bail
New York will ban cash bail for misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, starting Jan. 1. The change will eliminate pre-trial detention for an estimated 90 percent of arrests, according to the Brennan Center. Advocates for the law say it will decrease the amount of people who await their trial or sentencing inside a jail just because they don’t have enough money to post bail. Many law enforcement officials say it will limit judge’s abilities to keep accused criminals off the streets. The new law also requires prosecutors to turn over evidence to defense lawyers more quickly.
Farm labor laws
Starting Jan. 1, farmworkers across New York have the right to unionize. The new law also requires farmers to set a 60-hour work week for workers and allow them at least 24 consecutive hours of rest each week.
Minimum wage increase
Workers across Upstate will get a new minimum wage, starting Dec. 31, 2019. The hourly rate will go from $11.10 an hour to $11.80 an hour.
Enhanced driver’s licenses
Planning to fly on Oct. 1 or later? Then you’re going to need an enhanced driver’s license. This is a federal requirement, but it’s likely it’ll take you to your New York state DMV office.
EZPasses and the Thruway
There’s no new law requiring motorists to get an EZPass. Yet consider this a reminder: By the end of 2020, the New York Thruway will stop taking cash tolls. Drivers with EZPasses will be billed as they are now. Those without the passes will receive a bill in the mail from the Thruway.
Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.
www.syracuse.com/state/2019/12/new-2020-laws-in-new-york-state-grocery-bags-paid-family-leave-voter-registration-more.html
I expect problems ahead with Farmers who own there own farm especially small dairy farms.
