New Yorkers are getting used to writing 2019 on their checks and notes, but that’s not all they’ll need to adjust to in the New Year.

A handful of laws went into effect at the stroke of midnight, from the increased minimum wage – which kicked in on December 31 – to a law requiring changing tables in both women’s and men’s restrooms and a series of new health-related laws.

Here’s an overview on what’s new in 2019:

The big ticket item in this New Year is the increase in the state's minimum wage to $11.10 per hour, up 70 cents from 2018. New York City residents are seeing the increase go to fifteen dollars per hour. 

There’s a property tax relief credit — New York homeowners will receive rebate checks that will increase to an average of $530 in this year. 

A couple of laws will kick in to help parents. Changing tables will now be required in both public women's and men's new and renovated restrooms. Also, New Yorkers will now be allowed longer paid family leave, increasing to 10 weeks.  

Health related law changes: Volunteer firefighters diagnosed with cancer will get disability benefits. Firefighters with certain cancers who are diagnosed after January 1st can benefit from this Volunteer Firefighter Gap Coverage Cancer Disabilities Benefits Act.  

Beginning at the end of this month, newborns in our state who are identified or suspected of having a hearing impairment will be required to be tested for cytomegalovirus, unless a parent objects. It’s the leading non-genetic cause of deafness in children. 

There’s a new law requiring health insurers to provide men with access to prostate cancer screening at no cost. It mandates health insurance plans to make consumers aware of the new benefit.

If you visit New York City, foam containers there are now banned and pharmacies will no longer be allowed to sell tobacco products. That includes those big-box stores and supermarkets that have pharmacies.

A change welcomed by transgender rights advocates in New York City will allow people who do not identify as male or female to change the gender markers on their birth certificates to a nonbinary option.  

This year could also establish two priority laws for Governor Cuomo; the passing of the Child Victims Act, which would extend the time frame for childhood victims of sexual assault to file civil and criminal complaints, and the legalizing of the recreational use of marijuana by adults. There are expectations that something on this could be passed during the next legislative session on January 9.