New Year, New Laws: Key Changes Coming to New York & New Jersey in 2025
As we step into 2025, both New York and New Jersey are implementing new legislation impacting residents and businesses.Staying informed about these changes is crucial for navigating the year ahead. Here’s a breakdown of the key updates, designed to help you understand what’s changing and how it affects your daily life.
New York State: Protecting Consumers & Boosting Financial Security
New York is prioritizing consumer protection and financial well-being with recent legislative actions.
* Credit Card Late Fees: A new law caps credit card late fees at $15, considerably reducing the financial burden on consumers who occasionally miss a payment. This change aims to protect New Yorkers from excessive charges.
* Debt Collection Practices: New regulations are strengthening protections against abusive debt collection tactics. these measures ensure fair treatment and prevent harassment during debt recovery processes.
* Digital Health Platforms: Increased oversight of digital health platforms is now in place. This ensures openness and accountability in the rapidly evolving telehealth landscape, safeguarding your health details and access to quality care.
Learn more about new York’s new legislation here.
New Jersey: Updates to Wages, Veteran Services & Transportation Funding
New Jersey is enacting changes across several key areas, from minimum wage to veteran support and infrastructure investment.
Minimum Wage Increase
Starting January 1st, most New Jersey workers will see a pay increase.
* Statewide Minimum Wage: Rises to $15.92 per hour.
* Seasonal & Small Employers: Will see an increase to $15.23 per hour, with gradual increases planned through 2028.
* Agricultural Workers: Minimum wage increases to $14.20 per hour, continuing to rise incrementally until 2030.
* Long-Term Care staff: Direct care staff will earn at least $18.92 per hour.
* Tipped Workers: The minimum cash wage increases to $6.05 per hour, with employers still able to claim a tip credit up to $9.87. employers are responsible for ensuring total compensation (wage + tips) meets the state minimum wage.
Find detailed information on New Jersey’s minimum wage changes here.
Dedicated Support for Veterans
New Jersey is demonstrating a strong commitment to its veteran community.
* New Department of Veterans Affairs: A new, cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs is being established. This dedicated department will focus solely on providing housing, healthcare, mental health services, and benefits to veterans and their families.
* Streamlined Services: By separating military affairs from veteran services, the state aims to deliver more focused and efficient support to those who have served. Military functions will continue under a renamed Department of Military Affairs.
Read the official declaration about the new Department of Veterans Affairs here.
Investing in Transportation infrastructure
New Jersey is bolstering its transportation infrastructure through a gas tax adjustment.
* Gas Tax Increase: The gas tax will increase by 4.2 cents per gallon, bringing the total to support the State Transportation Trust Fund (TTF).
* TTF Funding: This increase is part of a phased plan to raise funding for the TTF, ensuring continued investment in road, bridge, and public transportation projects. The Fiscal Year 2026 Highway Fuel Cap is set at $2.115 billion.
[Get more details on the gas tax increase and the Transportation Trust Fund here.](https://www.nj.gov/treasury/news/2025/12012025
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