Council Overrides Mayor’s Vetoes to Enact Laws That Provide Minimum Pay and Protections for Grocery Delivery Workers and Repeal Excessive Criminal Penalties for Street Vendors

Council also passes legislation to advance the closure of Rikers Island and establish a permanent program providing legal services to survivors of domestic violence in divorce proceedings

City Hall - Today, the New York City Council voted to override Mayor Adams' vetoes of Introduction 47-B, Introduction 1133-A, and Introduction 1135-A, legislation that together will repeal the excessive misdemeanor criminal penalties for street vending and extend the same wage and workplace protections food delivery workers currently enjoy to grocery delivery workers. The Council also passed legislation that will provide technology for people in custody to review their case materials, require clinical assessments of people in custody upon request, and mandate the establishment of a mayoral office solely dedicated to the permanent closure of Rikers Island and transition to a borough based-jail system.

"Mayor Adams' vetoes were another example of him prioritizing Trump's agenda above our city by disregarding the work of his own administration on these bills and harming working-class New Yorkers," said Speaker Adrienne Adams. "Working alongside our city's workers and small business owners, the Council is again acting as the reliable leaders in our city to advance pay equity and a sustainable delivery industry, while protecting our residents from Trump administration abuses. The Council's override of the Mayor's senseless vetoes enact these laws that advance and protect the working people of our city."

Overriding Veto of Consensus Street Vending Legislation

This bill was a recommendation of the Street Vendor Advisory Board, which was established by Local Law 18 of 2021 and includes diverse stakeholders representing community organizations, property owners, retail stores, small businesses, and street vendors, as well as the NYPD and other city agencies. There are severe collateral consequences of a criminal record on people's education, employment, and housing opportunities, as well as their immigration status. In 2023, the NYPD issued more than 1,000 criminal vending tickets and nearly 80% were received by Black and Latino New Yorkers despite making up just 50% of the city's population.

Introduction 47-B, sponsored by Council Member Shekar Krishnan, would remove all misdemeanor criminal penalties for general vendors and mobile food vendors. Vendors who operate without a license could be subject to a violation and a fine or a civil penalty. Vendors who violate any other street vending laws would be subject to a civil penalty.

"Today was a decisive victory for immigrants in NYC," said Council Member Shekar Krishnan. "As a Council, we voted to override the Mayor's veto of my bill, Intro 47-B, which protects vendors from jail time and possible immigration consequences. The City Council will protect immigrants from intimidation and fear, from the horrifying conditions of 26 Federal Plaza, and from Donald Trump's anti-immigrant agenda. As Trump beefs up ICE and deploys the National Guard to our cities, we will stand up for our communities. We will ensure that safeguards are in place so that even if this Mayor, who is beholden to the President, tries to undo them, we stand strong. I'm thankful for Speaker Adams' leadership and to the City Council for proving to New Yorkers that we are the leaders they deserve at this moment."

Overriding Veto of Grocery Delivery Worker Protection Legislation

Data from the City shows that the 2021 app-based food delivery pay standards did not meaningfully increase food costs and the businesses are booming with record-high consumer spending reported during the first quarter of this year. This legislation is part of the Council's efforts to advance a sustainable delivery sector for the city and address concerns related to delivery app services and workers. They follow the enactment of new laws, including those to preserve caps on fees that third-party delivery services can charge restaurants and to establish e-bike safety requirements for delivery services.

Introduction 1133-A, sponsored by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, would extend food delivery worker protections to all contracted delivery workers retained to deliver goods for a delivery service. These worker protections would include requirements for transparently providing information, access to bathrooms, distribution of fire safety materials, and insulated delivery bags. This bill would also require the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to study working conditions and determine a minimum pay rate for contracted delivery workers.

"For a mayor who loves to brand himself as a champion of working-class New Yorkers, these vetoes weren't just disappointing - they were a slap in the face," said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. "These bills were designed to protect the very delivery workers his own administration once claimed they wanted to help. That City Hall is now wasting energy trying to block its own idea is as cynical as it gets. The Council will do what we always do - stand up for workers and override these vetoes, because New Yorkers deserve better than political backpedaling."

Introduction 1135-A, sponsored by Council Member Sandy Nurse, would require third-party grocery delivery services to pay their delivery workers a minimum pay rate that would meet or exceed that set by DCWP. DCWP may adjust the minimum pay rate to the circumstances of grocery delivery workers.

"When you order groceries on an app, they don't magically appear at your door," said Council Member Sandy Nurse. "Behind every delivery is a worker trying to earn a living and put food on the table. Int. 1135 simply guarantees that grocery delivery workers earn a minimum wage. Today, we say no to poverty wages and to a Mayor who has abandoned working people."

Advancing the Plan to Close Rikers

In April, the Independent Rikers Commission released "The Blueprint to Close Rikers," which charts a path to safely and permanently close Rikers and transition to a borough-based jail system. In response to the Commission's recommendations, the Council released a policy brief outlining immediate legislative, budget, and administrative solutions to improve access to mental healthcare, reduce recidivism, and ensure coordinated leadership that produces outcomes to reduce case delays and the inflated jail population. The following legislation comes from recommendations from the Commission's blueprint and the Council's policy brief, following key investments secured by the Council in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to advance Rikers' closure.

"Permanently closing Rikers Island and ending the humanitarian crisis that endangers staff and detained people have been a top priority for this Council," said Speaker Adrienne Adams. "The continued deaths and horrific conditions in city jails underscore the urgency that city government must act. With the passage of today's bills, the Council is once again demonstrating our steadfast commitment to advance the closure of Rikers and improve the health and safety of all New Yorkers."

Introduction 1238-A, sponsored by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, would require the Department of Correction (DOC) to ensure all persons in custody with a pending criminal proceeding have the technology necessary to securely receive and review case evidence via a department-issued tablet or through access provided in the law library. The bill also requires the Board of Correction to produce a report which evaluates the department of correction's ability to provide technological access to evidence review. The report will include recommendations for improvement, and the DOC must subsequently respond and indicate if it intends to adopt those recommendations.

"Today's vote is a step forward for fairness and due process in New York City," said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. "Too often, people in custody face immense barriers to accessing the evidence that will determine their future. This bill ensures every New Yorker - regardless of incarceration status - has the tools to fully participate in their own defense, while maintaining safety and security in our facilities."

Introduction 1240-A, sponsored by Council Member Rita Joseph, would require the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ), upon request of a person in custody or their attorney, to conduct a holistic needs assessment when one is required for acceptance into a court-based alternative to incarceration program. These clinical assessments are to include information on a person's mental health, physical health, intellectual disabilities, history of trauma, and other psychosocial conditions or circumstances at the time of a person's arrest.

"Too often, people in custody are overlooked for the support they need to turn their lives around," said Council Member Rita Joseph. "By requiring holistic needs assessments, we ensure that individuals are seen as more than just their charges; they are people with health needs, histories of trauma, and unique circumstances that deserve to be recognized and supported. This legislation strengthens our court-based alternative to incarceration programs, breaks the cycle of harm, and creates real pathways to healing and rehabilitation."

Introduction 1242-A, sponsored by Council Member Sandy Nurse, would require the establishment of an Office of Coordinator for Rikers Island Closure with a full-time coordinator. This new office will be responsible for coordinating actions and policies by agencies with a role in the closure of Rikers Island, including those with duties related to jail population reduction, design and construction of the borough-based jails, design and construction of outposted therapeutic housing units, correctional workforce development, and planning for the future use of Rikers Island for environmental sustainability and resiliency purposes. This bill also requires the establishment of Coordinator for Borough-Based Jail Transition within the DOC.

"Forty five people have died in our city jails under Mayor Adams' watch while his administration has made little progress to close Rikers," said Council Member Sandy Nurse. "My bill, Int. 1242-A, will finally establish an office solely focused on transitioning away from Rikers to the borough-based jails plan and create an interagency working group that consistently works towards that goal. Today's passage also moves us towards realizing the vision for a Renewable Rikers Island that will contribute to our city's environmental sustainability."

Enhancing Safety Requirements for E-Bikes

Building on the Council's efforts to advance a sustainable delivery sector and address concerns related to delivery app services and workers, the following legislation updates commercial cycling laws to reflect the realities of today's delivery industry, particularly with the rise of e-bikes and app-based platforms. This bill represents a step to ensure delivery companies comply with proper safety standards for their workers, provide adequate safety training and resources, and are held accountable.

Introduction 20-A, sponsored by Council Member Gale A. Brewer, would require the delivery worker bicycle safety course developed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to cover the safe and lawful operation of powered bicycles, as well as lithium-ion battery and charging safety. Each person operating a bicycle for a business would take such course prior to making deliveries on behalf of such business. Businesses that use bicycles for commercial purposes and are also licensed by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) as a third-party food delivery service would be required to comply with the commercial bicycle safety laws as a condition of their DCWP license. A third-party food delivery service could have their license suspended or revoked for failing to provide bicycle safety equipment, identification or retro-reflective apparel to their delivery workers.

"The delivery app industry disagrees with this, but I feel strongly that services like DoorDash and UberEats should be accountable for street and sidewalk safety," said Council Member Gale A. Brewer. "Businesses that use bicycles for commercial purposes are already required to ensure their delivery cyclists attend a safety course available through the city Department of Transportation and to distribute helmets, lamps, brakes, and reflective vests that identify their employer and bear an ID number. The trouble is, these requirements have never been applied to third-party delivery companies. Now they will be."

Providing Legal Services for Domestic Violence Survivors in Divorce Proceedings

Introduction 1175-A, sponsored by Council Member Julie Menin, would require the Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV) to establish a program, subject to appropriation, to provide income-eligible domestic violence survivors with both brief legal assistance and full legal representation throughout a divorce proceeding. ENDGBV would be required to undertake outreach about the program through written materials posted online and at family justice centers. ENDGBV would be required to submit to the Mayor and the Speaker of the Council an annual report with data on the program for the preceding year.

"Thank you Speaker Adrienne Adams for advancing this landmark legislation that will assist victims of domestic violence," said Council Member Julie Menin. "Establishing this right-to-counsel program will be life-changing for hundreds of domestic violence survivors - extending not only legal support, but restoring hope and a path forward by removing the financial obstacles to legal representation in divorce proceedings. This program which was advocated for by the Women's Caucus is a crucial step toward financial empowerment and safety for survivors across our city. Today, New York City is sending a powerful message: survivors are not alone."

Bringing Transparency to Supportive Housing Data

Introduction 791-A sponsored by Council Member Lincoln Restler, would require the Department of Social Services (DSS) to post on its website the total number and percentage of all supportive housing units in the city that are vacant, as well as the number of vacant units at different stages in the placement process. DSS would be required to provide data on supportive housing units by January 1, 2026, and other data related to units within the Human Resources Administration's HIV/AIDS Services (HASA) program by June 1, 2026. DSS would be required to update certain information monthly and quarterly.

"It is disgraceful that the Adams administration allows over 5,000 desperately needed supportive housing apartments to sit vacant - while street homeless New Yorkers struggling with mental illness sleep on our sidewalks and subways," said Council Member Lincoln Restler. "The Supportive Housing Dashboard will require centralized management of the patchwork of City and State programs that fund 40,000 units of supportive housing and will provide detailed, real time data to help connect more street homeless New Yorkers to stable housing with on-site services. Thank you to Speaker Adams for prioritizing this legislation."

Helping Displaced Tenants Deal to Residential Fires

Introduction 751-B, sponsored by Council Member Gutiérrez, would require an agency or office designated by the mayor, in consultation with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the Department of Buildings (DOB), and any other relevant agency, to develop and maintain a residential fire emergency response guide for individuals affected or displaced by a residential fire. The guide would include information about entities that assist individuals following residential fires, including information on emergency housing and aid. This bill would require FDNY to distribute the guide at the scene of residential fires using a quick response (QR) code posted on Department vehicles. Finally, the bill will require relevant agencies to make the guide available to individuals affected or displaced by a residential fire on location at post-fire inspections.

"Sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do as elected officials is make sure that, in what may be the worst day of someone's life, there is something tangible in place to make it feel a little less lonely and overwhelming," said Council Member Gutiérrez. "That's what Int. 751 is about-ensuring displaced tenants have immediate, clear information at their fingertips, and that they know they are not navigating recovery on their own."

Prohibiting the Sale of Menstrual Products with Unsafe Ingredients

Introduction 867-A, sponsored by Majority Leader Amanda Farías, would prohibit the sale, offer for sale, and distribution of menstrual products or intimate care products that contain intentionally added ingredients harmful to human health listed on the packaging label, including chemicals and fragrance as specified in the bill. Additionally, no later than 90 days after the New York State Department of Health promulgates regulations establishing the lowest level that can be achieved of harmful substances, including those specified in the bill, in menstrual and intimate care products the New York City Department of Health (DOHMH) would be required to adopt such threshold levels by rule and maintain a list of products that contain such substances at or above such established threshold levels. Two years after DOHMH adopts such threshold levels by rule, this bill would prohibit the sale, offer for sale and distribution of menstrual products or intimate care products that contain such substance at or above such threshold level. Violations would be punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed $250 for each violation.

"This is a historic win that will change the standard and raise the bar for menstrual and intimate care products in New York City," said Majority Leader Amanda Farías. "For decades, studies and advocacy groups have documented the presence of harmful chemicals in these products dating all the way back to the 1970s, meaning women have been exposed for about a half a century- using them for nearly 40 years of their lives. With Intro 867-A, I fought to ensure that products containing dangerous substances are banned from store shelves so women can finally make the informed choices they should have always had when it comes to their health and bodies."

Correcting Sex Designations on Death Records

Introduction 1258-A, sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson, would require the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to establish a procedure to request correction of the sex designation on a death record and post an application form and instructions for making such a request on its website.

"The structural inequities that our transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary and intersex communities face are extensive. And when our federal government is not just silencing these communities but flat out attempting to erase them, we must fight even harder for our TGNC siblings to feel recognized, valued, and supported in our city," said Council Member Crystal Hudson. "Intro 1258-A would require the city to establish a procedure to request correction of the sex designation on a death record to ensure the designation on a death record matches an individual's identity. This bill ensures those protections extend through the end of people's lives and safeguards the dignity in death that every one of us deserves "

Supporting the Social Worker Workforce Act

Resolution 362-A, sponsored by Council Member Erik Bottcher, calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.701/S.988, the Social Worker Workforce Act.

"The passage of this resolution is a critical step toward addressing New York's mental health crisis by supporting the very professionals who are on the front lines every day," said Council Member Erik Bottcher. "Social workers are lifelines for countless New Yorkers, yet unnecessary barriers have kept too many qualified people from entering the field at a time when we need them most. By calling for reform, we are strengthening our mental health workforce and ensuring more New Yorkers can access the care they deserve. I want to thank Speaker Adrienne Adams for her leadership in bringing this resolution forward and for her commitment to building a more compassionate and effective mental health system for our city."

Land Use:

Ocean Crest Technical Correction - an amendment to a previously approved Article XI Tax Exemption to correct an error regarding the subject property block and lot information in Majority-Whip Brooks-Powers's district.

5602-5604 Broadway Rezoning - will facilitate the redevelopment of a pre-existing property in Council Member Dinowitz's district into a 13 story, 226-unit, 100-percent affordable residential building under HPD's ELLA Program.

The Council will disapprove Cozy Corner Bar's application for a revocable consent to operate a sidewalk cafe in Council Member Holden's district.

Finance:

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would establish a new 40-year, Article XI tax exemption for 28 lots in the districts of Council Members Althea Stevens and Pierina Sanchez.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would establish a new 40-year, Article XI tax exemption for one lot in Council Member Sanchez's district.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would establish a new 40-year, Article XI tax exemption for five lots in Council Member Sanchez's district.

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