Krishnan, street vendors celebrate 'transformative' new law reducing criminal liability - QNS

"The law ensures that vendors will not face jail time for vending violations, with licensed vendors receiving a civil penalty for all future violations. Unlicensed vendors can still receive criminal penalties, but the law prevents judges from issuing criminal misdemeanors. A separate bill in the Street Vendor Reform Package will increase the number of vending licenses to help reduce the number of unlicensed vendors in the city."

"Advocates say Local Law 122 will have a massive impact on New York City vendors, the majority of whom are immigrants and often face visa complications because of criminal penalties issued for violations."

"Nobody should face jail time simply for selling food to support their family. He added that the law would be transformative for immigrant vendors who find themselves in a very precarious environment amid federal immigration raids."

Local Law 122 took effect on March 9, marking the first enacted bill from the Street Vendor Reform Package. Sponsored by Council Member Shekar Krishnan, the law was celebrated at City Hall after the City Council overrode Mayor Eric Adams' veto. Licensed vendors now face civil penalties instead of criminal charges for violations, while unlicensed vendors cannot receive criminal misdemeanors. The law protects immigrant vendors, who comprise the majority of New York's vending community and often face visa complications from criminal penalties. Additional legislation will increase vending licenses to reduce unlicensed vendors. Advocates describe the law as transformative for the vending community.

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