A new year is upon us, so we wanted to provide you with a brief overview of some of the new state laws that recently took or will take effect in 2020.

New York Minimum Wage – The latest phase of New York’s minimum wage increase took place on December 31, 2019. In Upstate New York, the rate increased from $11.10 to $11.80 an hour. The minimum wage will continue to increase every year across New York until it reaches $15.00 per.

Salary History Ban – This new state law prohibits employers from asking job applicants and employees about their wage or salary history. The ban took effect on January 6, 2020.

Non-Disclosure Provisions – Starting in 2020, non-disclosure agreements must state that employees are not prohibited from “speaking with law enforcement, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the state Division of Human Rights, a local commission on human rights, or an attorney retained by the employee or potential employee.”

Mandated IVF Coverage – On January 1^st, a new state law took effect that will require private, large-group health plans serving more than 100 employees to cover up to three cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF). The new requirements do not apply to public or self-funded health plans.

New York’s “Shield Act” – The Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security Act (“SHIELD Act”) will take effect on March 21, 2020. The Act broadens the definition of “private information” and expands the definition of “breach of the security of the system,” requiring all businesses in New York to implement certain safeguards for the private information of residents.

For more information on any of these measures, please e-mail MACNY’s Director of Government Relations & Communications at [email protected].