SMALL BUSINESS NEWS

Feb 2019

 

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New 2019 Laws Affecting NY Businesses

There are several new laws taking effect in 2019 for New York businesses.

 Foam:  As of January 1, 2019, New York City stores, food service establishments, and mobile food commissaries may no longer offer, sell or possess single-use foam food containers such as foam takeout clamshells, cups, plates, bowls and trays. Additionally, manufacturers and stores may no longer sell or offer for sale loose fill foam packaging (“packing peanuts”) in the city.  There are several exemption: Foam containers used for prepackaged food that have been filled and sealed prior to receipt by the food service establishment, mobile food commissary, or store.  Foam containers used to store raw meat, pork, fish, seafood or poultry sold from a butcher case or similar retail appliance;  Foam blocks used as protective packaging in shipping are not covered under this law.  The new law is effective on Jan. 1, however, the city will not start fining vendors until July 1.

Paid Time Off:  Under the New York State Paid Family Leave act, which the governor signed in 2016, workers will now get 10 weeks of paid time off to bond with a newborn, adopted or fostered child; to care for family members with serious health conditions; or to address issues related to a family member’s military deployment.  The law is part of a gradual increase in salaried time off that began in 2018, when workers were eligible for eight weeks of paid family leave.  The increases will end in 2021, when New York residents will get 12 weeks of paid family leave.  

Sexual Harassment Training:  NYC requires all private NYC employers with 15 or more employees to conduct annual anti-sexual harassment training.  [New York City Int. 0632-201823]

 Sick Leave:  Westchester requires covered employers to allow eligible employees to accrue one hour of earned paid sick time for every 30 hours worked up to 40 hours per year.  [Westchester County Local Law 1062324]

Sources:
New York City Int. 0632-201823
Westchester County Local Law 1062324

By Bill Williams