New York Note: New Rules, PIT Crews, Bus Improvement Plan, and Language Explorer

July 13, 2026

NYC Announces Subscription and Junk Fee Rules

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection announced new rules targeting hidden fees and difficult subscription cancellation processes. A final “Click to Cancel” rule, effective October 1, will require businesses to clearly disclose subscription terms and allow consumers to cancel automatic-renewal services through a straightforward process. The City also proposed a rule requiring businesses to include mandatory charges in advertised prices and accurately describe the purpose and refundability of fees.

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Mayor Mamdani Launches Public Interest Technology Crews

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Office of Technology and Innovation launched the Public Interest Technology Crew initiative, which will place teams of technologists within City agencies to develop in-house digital tools addressing public service challenges. The City plans to deploy five teams consisting of product managers, designers, engineers, researchers and data specialists. The first team will work with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection to create an online portal for complaints involving subscriptions that are difficult to cancel, supporting enforcement of the City’s “Click to Cancel” protections.

City and State Announce Bus Improvement Plan

Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a citywide bus improvement plan identifying 50 priority corridors for faster and more reliable service. The plan includes five initial rapid bus routes, approximately 2,500 new buses, all-door boarding beginning in 2027, additional bus shelters and seating, expanded accessibility improvements and increased camera enforcement of bus lanes. The City and MTA will also release performance data after projects are completed to evaluate changes in travel times, reliability and rider experience.

DCP Launches NYC Language Explorer

The New York City Department of City Planning launched NYC Language Explorer, an interactive tool that maps languages spoken by residents with limited English proficiency at the citywide, borough and community district levels. Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, the platform provides tables, maps and charts intended to help City agencies, service providers, researchers and community organizations assess local language-access needs.

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About Cozen O’Connor

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