Good Morning, Brooklyn: Friday, July 23, 2021
NO MORE CHILD MARRIAGES: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Thursday signed legislation (S.3086/A.3891) raising the age of consent to be married in New York State to 18. This new measure builds upon legislation eliminating child marriage that the Governor signed in 2017 by removing the ability for 17-year-olds to be married with parental and judicial consent. This legislation takes effect 30 days after becoming law and will apply to licenses issued after that date and marriages that had not been solemnized prior to that date.
State Senator Julia Salazar (D-18th District: Williamsburg, Greenpoint) and Assemblymember Phil Ramos (Nassau County) sponsored the bill, named Nalia’s Law after one brave survivor of forced child marriage. Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon co-sponsored the Assembly’s version of the legislation.
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NEW LAW EXPANDS WAYS TO OBTAIN PHONE INSURANCE: Another new law that Gov. Cuomo signed on Thursday will allow New Yorkers a new, less-expensive way to obtain insurance protection for their cell phones through their credit card, debit card or checking account. Prior to the legislation’s passage, state law did not allow credit or debit card issuers and banks to insure their customers’ wireless communication devices from damage, loss or theft. The law specifically authorizes coverage to protect a cell phone and other wireless communication equipment if it is damaged, lost, stolen, or incurs a breakdown.