We pass many laws in the state Legislature during session; however, some enacted laws have delayed effective dates. Please see below for the new laws that take effect this month.

 

NEW LAWS TAKING EFFECT – MAY 2026
Effective Date Chapter Summary
5/4/2026 Ch. 491 of 2025

A8476/S8150

Enacts the Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act, which protects veterans from fraud by making unaccredited representation of a veteran a class A misdemeanor and creating a dedicated Veterans’ Services Fund.

 

5/9/2026 Ch. 55 of 2025

Part HH

A3005-C/S3005-C

 

Ch. 707 of 2025

Part H

A8871/S8415

 

Ch. 36 of 2026

Part H

A9516/S8825

Expands the membership and functions of the State Commission of Correction to provide for enhanced oversight of correctional facilities through visits and interviews with staff and incarcerated individuals as well as facilitating the submission of written complaints via mail and the internet.
5/9/2026 Ch. 56 of 2025

Part P

A3006-C/S3006-C

Allows certified child care support centers to place substitute caregivers in licensed and registered child care programs, helping providers maintain staffing and continuity of care.
5/11/2026 Ch. 495 of 2025

A6768/S5509

Requires businesses that lease excavation equipment to provide notice to lessees of their responsibility to protect underground utilities by calling the 811 telephone number for the UDig NY system.

 

5/20/2026 Ch. 506 of 2025

A1395/S3360

 

Ch. 40 of 2026

A9488/S8756

Permits a close friend to make an anatomical gift of a decedent’s body.
5/22/2026 Ch. 491 of 2024

A9729/S9186

Authorizes and sets parameters for pharmacists and pharmacies engaged in shared pharmacy services.