On November 13, 2024, the City Council voted to approve the FARE Act, which requires brokers to be paid by the party who hired them. The bill was sponsored by Council Member Chi Ossé.
City Council
Council Passes Bill Legalizing Jaywalking
On September 26, 2024, the City Council passed Introduction Number 346-A which would legalize “jaywalking,” the practice of a pedestrian crossing a roadway outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk or against traffic signals. The legislation allows pedestrians to legally cross a road from any point, even outside of a marked or unmarked crossword, regardless of traffic signals. The local law specifies that jaywalking will not violate the administrative code and cannot be used as … <Read More>
Council Introduces Bill to Install E-Bike Battery Stations
On Thursday, October 10, 2024, Council Members Sandy Nurse of Brooklyn and Carlina Rivera of Manhattan, introduced Bill No. 1084, highlighting the growing use of e-bikes and the subsequent need for e-bike infrastructure throughout New York City. Bill No. 1084 would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to install at least thirty-five electric bicycle (“e-bike”) battery stations each year for the next five years in commercial areas throughout the city. The bill defines an e-bike … <Read More>
Council Introduces Bill to Study Business Start-Up Costs for M/WBEs
On October 10, 2024, Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse introduced Int. 1082, legislation mandating the NYC Commissioner of Small Business Services to conduct a study and report on the fees and costs required to start and maintain small businesses in New York City – with particular focus on certified minority- or women-owned businesses (M/WBEs). The bill defines small business to cover those that meet the size standards under the code of federal regulations, are not a franchise … <Read More>
Council Releases Report on State of Park Restrooms
On September 5, 2024, the City Council released Nature’s Call, a report about the functionality and conditions of over 100 restrooms in city parks. The report followed an investigation led by the Council’s Oversight and Investigation Division in partnership with the Council’s Community Engagement Division and Parks Committee Chair Council Member Shekar Krishnan’s office. The report found that two-thirds of the inspected restrooms – or 68 out of 102 – were closed or had … <Read More>
Council Passes Two Bills to Help with Shelter Intake Process for Families with Children
On August 15, 2024, the City Council passed two bills to improve the shelter intake process for families with children.