A new year usually means new laws and mandates in New York state.
Here's what business owners, executives, developers and employees need to know about new state laws taking effect in 2022.
Ban on styrofoam
A statewide ban starts Jan. 1, 2022 on single-use food containers and packing peanuts made of polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, a pollutant that can be tough to recycle.
The law covers any business that sells or distributes prepared food or beverages, including delis, grocery stores, restaurants, cafeterias, coffee shops, hospitals, schools and colleges.
Violators will face fines starting at $250. Second, third and fourth violations will be fined $500, $1,000 and $2,000.
The new law excludes New York City, which has its own ban. Nonprofits like soup kitchens and any covered business with annual gross income under $500,000 per location that does not have more than 10 locations and is not a franchise are eligible for 12-month waivers.
Employee monitoring law
A new law coming in 2022 requires private sector employers to notify employees if they monitor employees' emails, calls, text messages or internet access.
Starting May 7, 2022, employers that monitor employees' electronics have to provide detailed notice to employees. Employers must post a written notice of the monitoring, available to all employees "in a conspicuous place which is readily available for viewing."
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