New Laws For New York in 2020

The new year brings a number of new laws for New York residents.

Minimum Wage: Wages increase to $15 an hour in New York City, $13 for Westchester and Long Island and $11.80 for the rest of the state.

Bail: People charged with misdemeanors or non-violent felonies won't have to post bail and won't be held in jail before trial, WNYT reports. The bail reform law has faced criticism with some saying the safety of Hudson Valley residents is being put in danger

Plastic Bags: Single-use plastic bags will be banned from New York stores starting March 1.

Teen Voting: New Yorkers who are at least 16 can pre-register to vote.

Birth Certificates: Starting Jan. 15, people who are adopted can receive unrestricted access to their birth certificate, Democrat & Chronicle reports.

Farm Workers: Farmers can unionize to create a standard 8-hour workday is set for workers, with at least one off-day per week and overtime pay for farmers who work over 60 hours a week.

Boating: People born in 1993 or later will have to take a safety course prior to driving a motorboat.

IVF: Insurance companies must cover Vitro fertilization, Gothamist reports.