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One of the most interesting garnering attention is the State of California, where a new law requires stores with more than 500 workers to have a “gender neutral” section for toys. Businesses in the Golden State that do not comply risk being fined $500 if they do not establish a gender neutral toy section for kids twelve and under.
In Suffolk County, the South Shore Press contacted Time Warp Toys Inc. in Lake Grove to see if a similar law would work here in New York. The Suffolk County store has been in business for five years and specializes in vintage toys.
“We cater to a wide range of customers, boys and girls, men and women, who buy all types of toys and games regardless of gender. People want to buy what they had when they were younger. Girls buy ‘Hot Wheels” and “Rambo” toys, while some male collectors purchase “Barbie.” This already happens, so why be told by a state what to do,” questioned Time Warp Toys owner James Mangiacapre.
That is one new law generating buzz across the country. Here are some of the new laws in New York State that begin in 2024:
MINIMUM WAGE: Going up to $16 per hour in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County. The rest of New York State will be increased to $15 per hour.
HIGHER TOLLS: A 5% toll increase kicks in now, and another 5% increase starts in January 2027. It’s also going to cost you 50-cents more to cross the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, formerly known as the Tappan Zee Bridge.
“X” FOR WELFARE: Anyone that identifies as gender neutral can now write down the letter “X” on their Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance paperwork to apply for public benefits.
DOULA CARE: This now becomes Medicaid-funded benefit in New York, for birthing professionals who guide childbirths in mostly non-hospital settings. A statewide doula directory is also being established.
ODD YEARS GONE: Local elections across New York (excluding County Clerks and Sheriffs) now shift from odd number years to even number years. Supporters claim this will increase participation in elections. Critics claim it is a political power grab to increase Democratic turnout when races for Governor and President take place.
LGBTQ+ BILL OF RIGHTS: Nursing homes are breaking the law if they discriminate against patients who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or H.I.V. positive. Staff is required to use a person’s preferred pronouns.
FREE MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS: Both boys and girls at private middle and high schools must have access to taxpayer-funded menstrual products.
VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS: Schools are required to have voter registration forms on hand, and must have “pre-registration” forms available for 16 and 17-year-old students who want to register prior to turning 18-years-old.
INMATE VOTER NOTIFICATION: Those leaving prison, even those convicted of felonies, must be notified in writing that they will be eligible to vote once freed.