New York State Freelance Workers
Both New York state and New York City have enacted laws that enhance protections for freelance workers retained as independent contractors.
New York Paid Prenatal Personal Leave Law
The paid prenatal personal leave law effective January 1, 2025, requires New York employers to provide employees with up to 20 hours paid prenatal personal leave during any 52-week calendar period.
New York Paid Lactation Break Time
Effective June 19, 2025, New York employers are required to provide paid lactation break time for up to 30 minutes each time an employee needs to express breast milk for their nursing child for up to three years following the child's birth.
New York Clean Slate Act
Under the New York State's Clean Slate Act, the Unified Court System has up to three years from the law's effective date (until November 16, 2027) to set up the required processes to automatically seal eligible conviction records.
New York Equal Rights Amendment
On Election Day 2024, New York voters approved Proposition 1, the Equal Rights Amendment which adds discrimination protections into the state constitution.
Specifically, effective January 1, 2025, the New York State Constitution will include protections against discrimination "by any other person or by any firm, corporation, or institution, or by the state or any agency" based on "race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed, religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy."
The New York State Constitution already included discrimination protections for race, color, creed, and religion.
New York City Workers’ Bill of Rights
Effective July 1, 2024, New York City employers must comply with the newly enacted “Workers’ Bill of Rights” law. This legislation outlines key rights and protections for workers throughout the city. Employers should familiarize themselves with these requirements to ensure compliance.
This document is designed for general information only. The information presented in this document should not be construed to be formal legal or tax advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.
For more information on this and other topics, please contact Kevin via any of the channels listed below:
📧 kevin@kmckernan.com | 📞 718-317-5007