New York
New York is a leader in enacting new policies or regulations, and other states, particularly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, often follow New York’s lead and adopt similar policy proposals. New York is home to over 2 million small businesses (SMBs) employing over 4 million people. Policymakers must take new regulations’ impacts on SMBs into account before supporting legislation.
Key Policy Issues
Digital Economy
One Fair Price Act (S8623B)
Overview: New York small businesses use digital tools like personalized coupons, targeted discounts, abandoned-cart offers, and loyalty rewards to compete for customers online. These tools allow businesses to respond to changing demand, reward loyal customers, and provide relevant offers while keeping prices competitive.
The Problem: S8623B would restrict small businesses’ ability to use basic data to offer common promotions, making it harder for them to grow and compete.
The Impact: S8263B will drive prices up for small businesses using digital tools across New York by creating additional litigation risks for businesses.
Status: S8623B passed the New York Legislature and sits at Governor Hochul’s desk until December 31st to be signed or vetoed. If you’re based in New York and are interested in helping us oppose this bill to protect the tools small businesses use before it’s too late, let us know.
Want to get in touch? Email us at info@connectedcouncil.org.
Twenty-First Century Anti-Trust Act (NY State SB 335 & AB 2015)
Overview:
Abuse of dominance (AOD) laws, such as SB 335 and AB 2015, could reduce NY-based SMB sales by $41 billion annually and SMB sales in other states by another $19.9 billion annually due to interstate commerce — costing SMBs a total of $60.9 billion per year. If passed, SB 335 would jeopardize the ability of small businesses to leverage online marketplaces like Amazon, or integrated digital platforms like Google’s search and advertising system, and disrupt other invaluable digital tools that SMBs use to run and grow their businesses.
Status: SB 335 died once in the Assembly on January 7, 2026 before being reintroduced after a second Senate passage on May 6, 2026. It was referred to the Assembly Economic Development Committee, where it remained inactive for the remainder of the session. We expect similar bills to be introduced in 2027.
Privacy
The New York Privacy Act (NY State SB S3044 & NY State AB A974)
Overview:
More than 75% of New York small businesses use digital advertising to grow their businesses. These small businesses will be hurt if New York passes laws restricting how digital advertisers use basic consumer data, including location, device, language preference, and interests. If SB S3044 and AB A974 successfully enact the New York Privacy Act, it could result in less data to power digital advertisements, making ads less relevant to consumers, more expensive for small advertisers, and small publishers’ advertising inventory less valuable. National advertisers and mass media will win; small businesses will be hurt.
Status: SB S3044 was introduced on January 23, 2025, and referred to the New York State Senate Internet and Technology Committee. AB A974 was referred to the Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection on January 8, 2025.
Key Officials
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