Keeping up with the law is a constant challenge for those in the legal field. New challenges come up quickly and what worked one year may not work as well the next. New ways to meet those needs come up often and many of them get thrown into the mix as “New Law.” While it is hard to define exactly what new law means, it generally refers to ideas that can benefit clients in unique and beneficial ways. It also can be used to describe alternative practice methods that don’t fit into the traditional law firm business model but still provide needed legal services.
For example, some new legislation is aimed at helping people who live in apartment buildings where there have been problems with water and security issues. Assembly Bill A7273 will require NYCHA to notify residents within 24 hours if the water they use is safe for drinking or cooking. It will also require those who are contracted to examine water quality samples to comply with federal, state and local laws. New law will also protect tenants from security issues at their apartments by requiring those who install keyless entry systems to obtain approval from the building’s owner and landlord.
Another new law aims to help combat the opioid and overdose epidemic. Senate Bill S3791 would allow community pharmacies to give out fentanyl and other drug adulterant testing supplies to the public for free. This life-saving measure is named after Matthew Horan, who died from an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2020.
The law will also expand the eligibility for crime victims to apply for victim compensation funds. It would make it easier for people who don’t have a police report or any other proof of a crime to apply for the money. In addition, it will require that City agencies that suffer data breaches that put people’s private information at risk disclose that to the affected persons and the Mayor.
Among the other bills that are new law are Local Law 13 of 2022, which creates an exception to the item pricing requirement for retail stores with scanners available for consumer use; and Local Law 129 of 2021, creating rules for licensed process servers. These rules amend the definition of “process server” and clarify procedures for the service of process. They also add a penalty schedule for violations of these rules.
