It's a new year, and that means new laws have taken effect in New York State. 

The new legislation includes the Hire-a-Vet Tax Credit, which gives businesses a tax credit for employing a qualified veteran. An even larger credit is available for hiring disabled vets. 

The Homeless Veteran Assistance Fund also kicked in to help with housing and related expenses. Then, there's the Workers with Disabilities Tax Credit program, which gives business owners a tax incentive to hire individuals with developmental disabilities. 

Other measures are aimed at protecting minors from identity theft, protecting people living in adult homes and providing long-term care insurance. 

Taking effect on New Year's Eve was the state's new minimum wage, which has risen to $8.75 per hour.