- Broad Set of New Regulations Roll Out
- Laws affect schools, family courts, housing, elections, and worker protections.
- Focus areas include accessibility, transparency, emergency response, and employee benefits.
- Family Court Appeal Deadlines Extended (March 21)
- Appeals must be filed within 30 days if a court order is received in person.
- Deadline extends to 35 days if the order is received by mail.
- Cash Payments Required at Food Stores (March 21)
- Food stores may not refuse cash.
- Extra fees and prepaid card deposits over $1 are banned.
- Stores must accept cash if self-checkout machines fail and post signage explaining customers’ rights.
- Violations may result in fines.
- Bathroom Assistance Rules for Public Schools (March 27)
- Schools must adopt protocols for students who wear diapers or need bathroom help.
- Applies to young children and students with disabilities.
- Required supplies include changing tables, wipes, and sanitary equipment.
- Longevity Pay Boost for Court Employees (April 1)
- Long-serving court workers receive annual loyalty bonuses.
- $5,355 for employees with 8–13 years of service.
- $6,900 for longer-tenured employees.
- Affordable Housing Incentives Expanded (April 1)
- State increases funding for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program.
- Supports construction and preservation of affordable housing statewide.
- Election Data Rules Standardized Statewide (April 1)
- County and city election boards must follow uniform data request rules.
- Local officials must transmit records to statewide databases.
- Goal: improve voter data accuracy and public access.
https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/new-laws-in-new-york-from-march-to-june-2026
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