New laws will take effect in New York state in January.

First, New York’s minimum wage will increase to $15 per hour.

Raising the minimum wage to keep pace with inflation will benefit hundreds of thousands of minimum wage workers across the state.

New legislation to strengthen workers’ rights will take effect. It bars employers from requesting or requiring usernames, login information, and passwords as a condition of hiring, as a condition of employment or for use in a disciplinary action.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill this year to create and maintain a directory of doulas – birthing experts who provide physical, emotional and informational support.

Doula services will be covered for all Medicaid enrollees starting on Jan. 1.

Finally, a bill in November requires menstrual products to be provided to students for free in private middle and high school student restrooms.