BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Along with new beginnings, New Year's Day also brings a new wave of laws for New Yorkers.
Another planned increase in the state's minimum wage goes into effect. For Western New Yorkers, the minimum wage jumps from $10.40 per hour to $11.10 per hour. It's a change that has some local businesses adjusting prices to offset the added expenses.
Homeowners could see a little more money coming back from New York State in the form of property tax rebates. The average rebate is set to climb to $530 in 2019. You can learn more about the property tax relief credit here.
In an effort to address the opioid crisis, drug stores and pharmacies in New York State will now be required to take back unused prescription drugs via free drop boxes.
Jan 1 marks the first day where baby changing stations will be required in all public bathrooms. Any new bathrooms will now have to include the feature.
Volunteer firefighters will be given better access to certain state benefits beginning in 2019. Any firefighter who has served at least five years will be eligible for state disability coverage if they are diagnosed with certain types of cancer.
