New York State lawmakers had a busy 2025 and ushered in several important new workplace-related measures that will take effect in 2026. As New York employers look toward the new year, they should keep the following key changes in mind:

• January 1, 2026 – Minimum wage and salary threshold increases – The minimum wage rate in New York will increase to $17 per hour in New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties and $16 per hour in the rest of the state. Additionally, the exempt salary threshold for administrative and executive employees will increase to $66,300 per year in New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties and $62,353.20 per year in the rest of the state.
• Now in effect – Ban on “employment promissory notes” – The New York Trapped at Work Act, which took effect on December 19, 2025, bans “employment promissory notes” and similar provisions used as a condition of employment. Employers are now prohibited from requiring workers or job applicants to sign agreements that obligate repayment if a worker leaves before a stated time period. The statute appears to prohibit, at least on its face, agreements that allow employers to claw back bonuses as a condition of employment, which could certainly have a significant impact on Empire State employers. We anticipate that the New York Department of Labor will issue guidance clarifying the law in 2026.
• February 22, 2026 – New York City earned safe and sick time amendments – New York City employers...

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