#NEW: Six new laws take effect in New York starting today:
*bail law enables individuals charged with misdemeanor & nonviolent felonies to avoid posting bail money in order to be freed while awaiting trial
*bail law enables individuals charged with misdemeanor & nonviolent felonies to avoid posting bail money in order to be freed while awaiting trial
*another law gives farm-workers the right to organize, collect overtime if they work more than 60 hours a week, & get a day off
*a minimum wage law raises pay to $15 an hour for all workers in New York City
*a minimum wage law raises pay to $15 an hour for all workers in New York City
*another new law will enable adoptees to obtain a certified birth certificate starting Jan. 15
*individuals 16 years or older are now allowed to preregister to vote
*individuals 16 years or older are now allowed to preregister to vote
*new campaign finance requirements call for donations of $250 or less to be matched w/public funds 6 to 1 for statewide office candidates, like gov.
Donations to local candidates would be matched 12 to 1 for the first $50, 9 to 1 for the next $100 & 8 to 1 for the final $100
Donations to local candidates would be matched 12 to 1 for the first $50, 9 to 1 for the next $100 & 8 to 1 for the final $100
