Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed two pieces of legislation, both eliminating an annoyance for many New Yorkers.
One closes a loophole that excluded text messages from telemarketing rules.
Telemarketing, or robocalling, regulations were previously limited to just phone calls. People who registered on the state's Do Not Call registry would still get unwanted text messages. However, under the new law, such text messages should stop.
"Our consumer protections need to keep pace with technology," Cuomo said.
Lawmakers in the state Senate and Assembly noted that aggressive telemarketing can also be a source of fraud, used to prey on consumers.
The other repeals a law that made it a misdemeanor to cut hair or provide a shave to someone else on Sunday.
The law was rarely enforced, but Cuomo called it "archaic and meaningless" in the 21st century. Lawmakers also applauded the repeal, saying barbershops and hair salons have experienced enough financial hardship due to COVID-19.
