New Yorkers can expect to see several changes impacting everything from their paycheck to daily routines as new laws take effect on Jan. 1.

Below is a review of some of the changes taking effect in 2026:

Higher paid family leave – Maximum weekly benefit increases from $1,177.32 to $1,228.53.

Expanded child tax credit — Parents receive $1,000 per child under 4; $330 per child ages 4 to 16. The $330 then goes up to $500 for 2026.

Minimum wage increase— to $17 per hour in New York City, Long Island and Westchester County (currently $16.50). Increases to $16 in the rest of New York state.

MTA fare increase/Toll hikes – Starting Jan. 4, the base fare for subways, local buses, and Access-A-Ride will increase 10 cents, from $2.90 to $3. The reduced fare will increase from $1.45 to $1.50. The express bus base fare will increase from $7 to $7.25. All toll rates will increase 7.5% at all facilities. This includes E-ZPass and tolls by Mail.

Easier subscription cancellations – Consumer protection laws will require companies to make the process for canceling online subscriptions or memberships as simple as the sign-up process. This will prevent businesses from hiding cancellation options behind confusing steps.

All-electric buildings – All newly constructed buildings in New York state that are 7 stories or shorter must be built to use electric heat and appliances.

New BABY Benefit for the most vulnerable families – Gov. Kathy Hochul launched a new BABY Benefit — a one-time $1,800 cash grant for New Yorkers who receive public assistance when they have a new baby. The payment will be accessible on the household’s EBT card. There are no restrictions on how the money can be used. The benefit amount may be used at the recipient's discretion.

Criminal charges dropped for vendors — The city will end misdemeanor criminal penalties for general vendors and mobile food vendors on March 9. Instead, operating without a license or violating other street-vending rules will result in fines or civil penalties – not criminal charges.

New York City’s Paid Safe and Sick Time Act – Employers will be required to provide 32 hours of unpaid safe and sick leave per year, effective Feb. 22. Employees may use this time immediately.

Transparency for delivery drivers – This bill would require delivery services to pay their contracted delivery workers no later than 7 calendar days after the end of a pay period. This bill would also require delivery services to provide each contracted delivery worker with an itemized, written statement that outlines their compensation no later than 7 days after the end of the pay period. This bill would require delivery services to retain such statements for at least three years, and provide copies to contracted delivery workers upon request.

Gratuity for food delivery drivers – This bill would require third-party food delivery services and third-party grocery delivery services that offer online ordering to solicit gratuities for food delivery workers and grocery delivery workers before or at the same time an online order is placed.

Safe delivery device access for contracted delivery workers – This bill would establish safety requirements for powered bicycles when used by contracted delivery workers. Specifically, the bill requires that any powered bicycle operated by a contracted delivery worker on behalf of a delivery service meet local standards established for the sale of such device. This includes certification by an accredited testing laboratory. Such device may be provided by the delivery service or the worker, but the delivery service could not require that the worker obtain a compliant device as a term of employment.

A list of other local laws can be found here.