Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has signed 730 bills into law, with several new laws set to take effect statewide.

Starting tomorrow, the minimum wage for will rise to $16 per hour. Additional protections will be implemented for freelance workers, and eligibility for victim compensation funds will expand, allowing victims and survivors of crime to apply without the prior requirement of reporting and providing documentation to law enforcement.

In 2024, 'Matthew's Law' will make drug testing resources more accessible to the public in an effort to combat the opioid epidemic. Named after Matthew Horan, who died of a fentanyl overdose in 2020, this life-saving bill enables local pharmacies and healthcare providers to distribute drug testing supplies.

Moreover, job seekers will find relief regarding their online privacy. As of March 12th, new employers will no longer ask for access to social media accounts during job transitions.