Council approves historic legislation to phase out horse drawn carriage industry

Council passes bill to raise income eligibility limit for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program and the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) program

Council also approves Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA), allowing some nonprofits and not-for-profits to purchase residential properties

NEW YORK - Today, the New York City Council approved Romanch's Law, which will phase out horse-drawn carriages in Central Park by June 1, 2028, while ensuring protections for the workers whose livelihoods have long depended on the industry.

The legislation was passed following the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who was killed this summer after being thrown from a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park. Immediately following Mr. Mahajan's death, the City Council held a hearing on the horse carriage industry to examine potential legislative action to wind down the practice, and to receive input from horse drawn cab owners and operators.

Horse-drawn carriages have been operating in Central Park since 1858, originally serving as a mode of transportation and evolving into a popular tourist attraction. However, the industry has since faced decades of scrutiny over animal welfare and public safety concerns.

The bill, which was passed today, will wind down the industry over the next 19 months and establish a framework for a safe and orderly transition for workers and horses.

"Today, the City Council made history. Our landmark vote to pass Romanch's Law is a demonstration of this Council's commitment to animal welfare, public safety, and worker protection," said Speaker Julie Menin. "The tragic and preventable death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan this summer underscored the need for urgent action after decades of mounting concerns. From longstanding animal welfare concerns and increasingly extreme heat conditions to historic overcrowding in Central Park, which now welcomes more than 42 million visitors annually, the status quo has become unsustainable and unsafe for horses and people alike. The Council took swift action, hearing hours of testimony from carriage drivers, animal welfare advocates, City officials, and constituents. The resulting plan establishes a deadline to phase out the industry while ensuring the development of a comprehensive workforce transition that will protect the livelihoods of the hardworking New Yorkers who depend on it. Thank you to Council Member Marte for championing this historic initiative, and to my Council colleagues and the advocates for their partnership in making it happen."

"Romanch's Law" to Phase Out the Horse Drawn Carriage Industry

Introduction 943-A, sponsored by Council Member Christopher Marte, would wind down the horse drawn cab industry by prohibiting the issuance of licenses for carriage horses, horse drawn cabs, and horse drawn cab drivers on or after June 1, 2028. Any licenses active as of the effective date of the bill would permanently expire on May 31, 2028, and would no longer be subject to renewal requirements. This bill requires the humane disposition of carriage horses and prohibits their sale or transfer for inhumane purposes, such as for slaughter or for use in another horse drawn cab business. This bill would also require an agency or agencies designated by the Mayor to establish a horse drawn cab industry transition plan by April 1, 2027 for horse drawn cab owners, drivers and other workers engaged in the horse drawn cab industry, including stable workers. Such plan would include a workforce transition program, consideration of a program to assist carriage horse owners with the disposition of their horses and equipment, and consideration of a program to provide compensation to horse drawn cab owners for the value of their businesses, licenses, and equipment.

"Today, the Council passed legislation that protects horses and passengers while supporting carriage workers as they move into new livelihoods," said Council Member Christopher Marte. "Romanch's Law provides time for that transition and requires the city to help workers access job opportunities, training, and career support. We wanted this bill to work for everyone, and our office worked hard to build the majority behind it. I thank Speaker Menin for her early public support and for working with us to strengthen the legislation and get it passed. After decades of debate, the persistence of advocates and the courage of the Mahajan family have helped us reach a point where we can retire these horses safely and help workers build their next chapter."

Community Opportunity to Purchase Act

Introduction 905-A, sponsored by Council Member Sandy Nurse, would give certain not-for-profits or joint ventures between not-for-profits and other entities, as certified by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), a first opportunity to submit a statement of interest in purchasing and a first opportunity to purchase certain residential properties when offered for sale. The bill would require owners of subject properties to notify HPD and qualified entities when they intend to take action to sell such properties.

Qualified entities would have 20 days to submit a statement of interest in purchasing the property, and 70 days to submit a first offer to purchase the property. Qualified entities would also have a right of first refusal if an owner receives an offer from a person other than a qualified entity. An owner would be able to apply for an exemption to the requirements of this bill on a showing of undue financial hardship. HPD would be required to submit periodic reports on the program.

"The Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA) is an example of what happens when tenants, organizations and progressive legislators not only give the real estate lobby a run for its money, but win. After six years, multiple Mayors, and a veto, we finally passed COPA," said Council Member Sandy Nurse. "COPA will keep thousands of struggling New Yorkers in their homes, preserve neighborhood affordability, and bring more at-risk housing into community control. It's another tool now at our disposal to fight back against our city's affordable housing crisis, help end displacement and give working families a chance to stay in the city we love."

Helping Voters in Custody Cure Their Ballots

Introduction 786-A, sponsored by Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, would require the Department of Correction to check ballot affirmation envelopes for curable defects and notify the voter of such defect and provide that voter with the opportunity and means of curing the defect.

"Being in custody should never mean being denied the opportunity to exercise your right to vote," said Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. "For too long, eligible New Yorkers in our City's jails have faced barriers that make it difficult to have their ballots counted with the passage of Intro. 786-A, we are taking an important step toward closing those gaps by ensuring voters have a meaningful opportunity to correct ballot errors and strengthening accountability in the process. Protecting voting rights is about more than access to a ballot; it is about making sure every eligible voter has a fair opportunity to participate in our democracy and have their voice heard."

Reporting on Voting Activity Within City Jails

Introduction 797-A, sponsored by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, would require the Department of Correction to, in addition to semi-annual reporting on voter registration forms, annually report on the number of voter registration and voting activities in city jails, as well as on demographic information for people returning voter registration forms to the Department of Correction.

"We would not accept the systemic disenfranchising of eligible voters anywhere else in the city, yet it goes largely unseen and unchallenged in our jails," said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. "Barriers to meaningful ballot access for incarcerated New Yorkers excludes thousands of voices, the vast majority of which are Black and Brown. In many ways, Rikers Island is evidence of failures of government leadership, yet so many of the people detained there have no voice in changing that government or holding it accountable. I am proud to advance Int. 797 alongside Int. 786, sponsored by Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, to understand the voting landscape in Rikers, hold our city accountable for gaps in voter outreach, and ensure every ballot is counted."

Improving Special Education Reporting

Introduction 853-A, sponsored by Council Member Susan Zhuang, would require the Department of Education (DOE) to supplement existing special education reporting with analysis on how geographic location, home language, and household income affect students' access to special education programs and services. DOE will also be required to report a description of programs or initiatives that serve to mitigate the impact, if any, of social and economic factors on access to special education services, and to report recommendations on how to address any identified barriers to access.

"Every child deserves an education that meets them where they are and helps them thrive. But too often, NYC students have to travel long distances to access the special education services and programs they need," said Council Member Susan Zhuang. "Intro. 853 will go a long way towards expanding education access by providing City agencies with a better picture of the geographic access barriers that are being placed on students and how we can more equitably distribute education programs and services across the five boroughs. As a mother, I recognize that every student in New York City should be able to access the programs, services, and opportunities they deserve within a reasonable distance. Improving data collection and reporting is the first step towards building a system that works for every student, regardless of their needs."

Improving Access to Data on Gender-Based Violence

Introduction 296-A, sponsored by Council Member Farah Louis, would require the Mayor's Office to End Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV), in consultation with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), to compile and review all existing data related to gender-based violence (GBV), including domestic violence, and then develop a report with recommendations for agencies to improve the collection and integration of data on GBV. The bill would also require ENDGBV, in consultation with DOHMH, to develop an outreach program to survey healthcare providers regarding GBV screening practices and provide information to integrate trauma-informed practice into the screenings, and then to report a summary of the outreach program. In addition, the bill would require ENDGBV to develop a data dashboard to share data from city and state agencies around GBV. Finally, the bill would require the Department of Homeless Services and the Administration of Child Services to report on the number of screenings that led to services or referrals for GBV.

"Gender-based violence is a public health crisis, and we cannot afford to let fragmented data and gaps in coordination undermine our ability to protect survivors," said Council Member Farah N. Louis. "Intro. 296 takes an important step toward strengthening our response by requiring the City to review existing data on gender-based violence and develop recommendations to improve how this information is collected and used. Better data can help us identify patterns, strengthen prevention efforts, and better connect survivors with the resources they need. Behind every data point is a real person, a family, and a community. We must do more to ensure that survivors are seen, supported, and never left to navigate these systems alone."

Renaming Queens' Shore Front Parkway

Introduction 927, sponsored by Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, would rename Shore Front Parkway, between Beach 32nd Street and Beach 56th Place, to Edgemere Avenue, and amend the official City map accordingly.

"For residents and businesses in Edgemere, inconsistent address recognition has created unnecessary challenges with mail delivery, emergency response, and access to critical services," said Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. "By restoring Edgemere Avenue to its previous name, we are taking an important step toward correcting these discrepancies and ensuring our City's infrastructure reflects the needs of the community."

Designating October as Reggaeton Heritage Month

Resolution 625-B, sponsored by Council Member Farah Louis, would declare October as Reggaeton Heritage Month in the City of New York to honor the legacy of reggaeton as a prominent expression of Afro-Caribbean and Latin American identity and to recognize New York's pivotal role in facilitating the blend of cultures that is at the heart of this grassroots musical genre.

"Reggaeton a powerful expression of Afro-Caribbean and Latin American identity, with roots in Panama and a history shaped by Puerto Rico, Brooklyn, and the broader Caribbean diaspora," said Council Member Farah Louis. "Reso. 625 recognizes the Panamanian communities whose creativity helped give rise to this genre and celebrates the Hispanic and Caribbean cultural contributions that continue to shape New York City. I thank Deputy Speaker Nantasha Williams and all the advocates who pushed to bring this resolution forward in October. It is only fitting that we dedicate this month to honoring these communities, preserving their cultural legacy, and ensuring that future generations understand the history behind the music."

Opposing Federal Rule Changes to Head Start Programs

Resolution 650, sponsored by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, would oppose the federally proposed rule change titled, "Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs" and calls on the Federal Government to prioritize protecting and growing access to high-quality education for young children.

"Head Start is an invaluable program for multilingual children," said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. "It lays the foundation that families, including immigrant families, rely on in early childhood education. We know that supporting a child's home language helps them participate, communicate and have the tools to eventually learn English - allowing them the best chance to thrive."

Land Use:

48-50 Convent Avenue Cluster ANCP - will support the conversion of four partially occupied city-owned rental buildings to 77 affordable homeownership units and 2 superintendent units under the Affordable Neighborhood Cooperative Program in Majority Leader Shaun Abreu's district.

1455 Coney Island Avenue Rezoning - will facilitate the development of a 9-story long-term care facility with 300 patient beds in Council Member Simcha Felder's district.

135-27 Sapphire Street Rezoning - will facilitate the development of one 6-story building with approximately 268 dwelling units, 67 to 80 of which will be affordable under MIH, in Council Member Joann Ariola's district.

Finance:

Introduction 978-B, sponsored by Council Member Farah Louis, would increase the maximum income level for eligibility for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption program and the Disability Rent Increase Exemption program to $75,000 beginning July 1, 2026, and would align the definition of income used to determine eligibility for these programs with State law. This bill would apply retroactively to July 1, 2026, and would expire on the same date as part U of chapter 55 of the laws of 2014, as amended by subpart A of part V of chapter 59 of the laws of 2026.

"Our older adults and people with disabilities should not have to choose between paying their rent and affording other basic necessities," said Council Member Farah N. Louis. "As housing costs continue to rise, we have a responsibility to ensure that New Yorkers who have spent decades building their lives and communities here can remain in their homes with dignity and stability. By raising the income eligibility limit for SCRIE and DRIE from $50,000 to $75,000, Intro. 978 will extend critical rent protections to more eligible residents. This is about protecting our most vulnerable neighbors from displacement and ensuring that aging in New York City does not come at the cost of housing security."

Resolution 666-A, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, would set the date, time, and place for the hearing on the local law that would increase the annual expenditure for eight business improvement districts: the 34th Street, 82nd Street, East Mid-Manhattan, Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn, Bay Ridge 5th Avenue, Southern Boulevard, Greater JFK, and West Village Business Improvement Districts.

Transparency Resolution approving new designations and changes in the designation of certain organizations receiving funding in the Expense Budget.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, would grant a partial 40-year tax exemption under Article XI of the Private Housing Finance Law for one building in the district of Council Member Carl Wilson.

Preconsidered Resolutions, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, would grant two full 40-year tax exemptions under Article XI of the Private Housing Finance Law for five buildings in the districts of Council Members Elsie Encarnación, Oswald Feliz, and Justin Sanchez.

Preconsidered Resolutions, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, would grant two full 40-year tax exemptions under Article XI of the Private Housing Finance Law for one building in Deputy Speaker Nantasha William's district.

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