There’s a new focus in law today, a shift that many legal firms are taking seriously. It’s called “law new,” and it has to do with offering clients help in ways that aren’t part of the traditional practice of law. It’s also about working with different technologies and focusing on process. A firm that wants to take this idea seriously needs to understand how it works.

How this week’s laws and rules came to be

A bill to create a new law must pass through Congress to become law, and that process differs between the House and Senate. Learn about how bills are researched, debated and changed before they are voted on and passed by both bodies of Congress.

New law to end gender bias in prices

Shoppers have long noticed that shampoos and other products marketed to women cost more than very similar versions for men. This new law will ban stores from charging a higher price for these items based on their gender. Advocates say the change will help achieve gender equality.

New law to protect data breach victims

New York City agencies that suffer security breaches involving personal information are required to notify the affected persons. This new law amends the existing law to clarify when a notice is required and to make it more consistent with federal privacy protection laws.

New law to regulate third-party food delivery services

This bill would require third-party food delivery services that offer services in the City to obtain a license from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. It also repeals a subchapter of the Administrative Code that contains the current laws regulating these services.

The New York State Open Meetings Law applies to public bodies that conduct governmental business, such as city councils, town boards, village boards of trustees, school boards, and commissions, along with their committees and subcommittees. This new law will expand the scope of the law to include private clubs and nonprofits that hold meetings to discuss public matters, though these organizations will have to get a special permit to do so. In addition, these groups will have to keep records of their meetings.