Executive Summary

Coverage:  Employers with employees working in New York.

Effective Date:  The new law is effective immediately.  However the New York State Department of Health must promulgate regulations and has been given up to 18 months to issue or make effective registry identification cards for certified patients and designated caregivers, which will be necessary for obtaining medical marijuana.

Overview: Governor Cuomo has signed New York’s Compassionate Care Act, which will permit limited use of medical marijuana by individuals suffering from covered medical conditions, making New York the 23rd state to legalize the use of medical marijuana.

Action Required:  None at this time. Consult your Human Resources Business Partner as needed.

The New York Wage Theft Prevention Act (“NYWTPA”) requires employers to provide employees with an annual notice regarding their compensation and other terms of employment. The notice must be provided to all employees between January 1 and February 1 of each year, regardless if they previously received a notice.  Although the state legislature has passed a bill repealing this requirement, as of the date of this publication, the bill has not been signed by the governor and therefore, the requirement remains in effect.

For more information on the NYWTPA and steps to meet your compliance obligations please review the details below.

These changes result from: 1) the final stage of the three-step state minimum wage increase passed by the New York State Legislature, 2) a new Hospitality Industry Wage Order enacted by the New York State Department of Labor, and 3) as applicable, a new proposed Fast Food Industry Wage Order.

New York minimum wage has increased to $9.00 an hour. This is a material substantive change and a new New York, All–In-One poster is required.