Legislative Monitor for New York – January 2025
As of January 1, 2025, New York State will update its Paid Family Leave (PFL) program to include coverage for prenatal leave.
Employers are required to provide employees with 20 hours of paid prenatal leave during any 52-week period.
This leave can be taken during pregnancy or for pregnancy-related medical appointments, procedures, tests, and discussions with healthcare providers. This leave can be taken in hourly increments and is separate from existing paid sick and safe leave entitlements. Unused leave does not need to be paid out upon termination.
Next Steps: Employers should update their policies and ensure compliance with the new law. Employers can add an additional 20 hours to their current sick leave or set up a new policy to cover the Prenatal Leave.
► More information:
- A Nation-Leading Paid Family Leave Policy | New York State Paid Family Leave
- New York paid prenatal leave to go into effect on January 1, 2025 | Reed Smith
Changes to New York Salary Exempt Threshold
In New York, the minimum salary thresholds for the executive and administrative exemptions from overtime pay requirements will increase as follows effective January 1, 2025:
- Workers in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County (who qualify for the executive or admin exception) will need to earn at least: $1,237.50 per week / $64,350 annually to maintain the exemption.
- Workers in the remainder of New York State (who qualify for the executive or admin exception) will need to earn at least: $1,161.65 per week / $60,405.80 annually to maintain the exemption.
Next Steps: Employers should adjust their compensation structures to comply with these updated thresholds.
► More information:
Wage Adjustments as of January 1, 2025
Minimum Wage Increases:
- New York City, Long Island, Westchester County: $16.50 per hour
- Remainder of New York State: $15.50 per hour
Tipped Employee Wage Adjustment:
- New York City, Long Island, Westchester County:
- Service Employees: $13.75 per hour
- Minimum Wage Tipped: Food Service Workers: $11.00 per hour
- Remainder of New York State:
- Service Employees: $12.90 per hour
- Minimum Wage Tipped: Food Service Workers: $10.35 per hour
► More information:
To stay up to date on legislative developments, subscribe to our blog using the form below.
