Gov. Hochul Goes On Consumer-Friendly Legislative Bonanza

NEW YORK CITY – Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a set of bills that aim to improve the consumer experience on Monday. Another bill, Melanie’s Law – which Hochul also signed on Monday – closes a legal loophole in domestic violence cases.

The governor’s office also announced an effort to streamline state services like the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a “customer experience strategy…transforming how New Yorkers interact with government services and improving government operations on a day-to-day basis,” according to a press release.

From Gym Memberships to Restaurant Grades

Five new consumer protection laws are designed to save New Yorkers money and increase transparency in various sectors:

Canceling Gym Memberships

Health clubs must now accept cancellations within 10 business days of receiving notice under legislation S.932D/A.4667B. The law also modernizes contract practices, allowing cancellations online and requiring quicker refunds.

“Health club memberships should be an asset to consumers, not a burden, said State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud, who represents Southeastern Brooklyn. “This bill ensures that we empower New Yorkers to make the best choices for their health and well-being without being locked into contracts that no longer serve their needs.”

Leased Car Fees Banned

Legislation S.4778/A.7167 prohibits administrative fees when returning leased cars. "Vehicle expenses are one of the biggest financial burdens for families, and junk fees have only made it harder to manage those costs," said Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages, who represents a Long Island district near John F. Kennedy International Airport.

'Seinfeld Bill'

Telemarketers are now required to provide the name, address, and telephone number of their company or organization within the first 30 seconds of a call under S.8182B/A.7939B. Nicknamed the "Seinfeld Bill" by its sponsor State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal – who represents Manhattan’s West Side – in homage to a scene where a telemarketer is memorably rebuffed, the law addresses incessant telemarketing calls and scams that target vulnerable populations.

"Like Jerry says, why should they have our information if we can’t have theirs?” Hoylman-Sigal quipped.

Online Sanitary Grades for Restaurants

Restaurants offering delivery services must link to sanitary inspection grades under S.509B/A.28C.

“Restaurant sanitation grades shouldn’t be a secret,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, who represents the Upper West Side.

“New Yorkers, whether they’re ordering takeout or having dinner in a restaurant, deserve to know if their favorite haunt is plagued by health violations. However, people using delivery apps are denied this critical information, leaving them vulnerable to unsanitary kitchens. Thankfully, that practice ends today – my legislation requiring delivery apps to post links to their sanitation grades on their website will empower consumers, increase transparency and reduce food-borne illnesses.”

Over-the-Counter Drug Label Obstruction Prohibited

Legislation S.8880A/A.1010B bans obscured labels on over-the-counter drugs and cosmetics. "Transparency is key in the marketplace, especially as it relates to health and safety," said State Senator James Sanders Jr., who represents Southern Queens.

Hochul framed the consumer-focused legislation as part of a broader effort to combat the financial strain on New Yorkers. "At a time when New Yorkers are experiencing the devastating effects of rising prices, it’s important that I do everything I can to put more money back in their pockets," she said.

The legislation follows Hochul’s controversial resumption of congestion pricing, which was approved by the federal government on Friday, Nov. 22.

The program, which was scheduled to begin at the end of June, will now start on Jan. 5, 2025. Drivers who enter a zone stretching from 60th Street to the southern tip of Manhattan will pay $9 to do so.

Domestic Violence Legislation Now Law

In addition to the consumer-focused measures, Hochul also signed Melanie’s Law (S.6288/A.6026) on Monday, expanding legal protections in domestic violence cases.

The law allows courts to issue orders of protection to immediate family or household members, regardless of age. It closes a loophole that previously excluded adult children from being named on protective orders.

The bill was inspired by Melanie Chianese, who was killed by her mother’s ex-boyfriend while he awaited sentencing for a domestic violence felony. Although her mother, Cheryl Chianese-Cavalli, was able to obtain an order of protection for herself and her 4-year-old son, Melanie, who was 29 at the time of her death, wasn't eligible.

"Melanie's Law will save lives, and her legacy will live on forever," Chianese-Cavalli said.

‘Consumer Experience Strategy’

In addition to the new legislation, Hochul launched New York State’s first-ever customer experience strategy, the New York Experience (NYX), an effort to improve New Yorkers' experience with government services. The initiative focuses on minimizing enrollment gaps, reducing bureaucratic delays, improving digital platforms, and driving overall customer satisfaction.

What does that mean? Agencies including the DMV, Department of Health, and Department of Labor will take the lead in “simplifying lengthy government processes and applications, eliminating unnecessary steps to receiving services, and removing bureaucratic hurdles wherever possible to give time back to consumers,” according to a press release.

The NYX website will serve as a hub for state agencies to adopt best practices and tools.

"Every state agency has a role to play in making sure we deliver on our promise to create a more efficient and responsive government," said chief customer experience officer Tonya Webster.

Hochul's announcement of the new initiative follows the unveiling of a Trump Administration plan to slash hundreds of billions of dollars in federal spending.