New York Assembly Bill A08940

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/16/25
• Refer: 7/16/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Includes for-hire transportation services in the prohibition on price gouging; provides that such prohibition shall apply to for-hire transportation services after the declaration of a state of emergency by the governor tied to an abnormal disruption of the market or upon notice from the governor, attorney general or the chief executive of any municipality of the state that an abnormal disruption of the market exists.

Summary

A08940 would amend New York’s general business law to expressly include for-hire transportation services within the state’s price-gouging prohibition. The bill applies when the governor declares a state of emergency tied to an abnormal market disruption, or when the governor, attorney general, or a municipal chief executive gives notice that such a disruption exists. In those circumstances, for-hire transportation providers would be barred from charging excessive prices during the emergency period. The bill defines for-hire transportation services broadly to cover ground transportation sold for a price within New York, whether provided directly or through a third-party platform. The definition includes transportation network companies, taxicabs, livery vehicles, black cars, limousines, luxury limousines, for-hire vehicles, and buses, while excluding government-operated public transportation buses. The measure would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Impact

The bill would expand section 396-r of the General Business Law by adding a new category of covered services to New York’s anti-price-gouging law. That would give state and local officials a clearer basis to police surge pricing or other emergency-related fare increases in the for-hire transportation market during declared emergencies or market disruptions. It would affect ride-hailing platforms, taxi and livery operators, limousine services, and other for-hire ground transportation providers operating in New York.

Sentiment

No committee transcript or vote record is available, so there is no documented debate or recorded floor sentiment in the provided materials. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears consumer-protection oriented and aimed at preventing emergency price spikes in transportation. The framing suggests a generally protective posture toward riders and emergency access to transportation.

Contention

The main policy tension is between consumer protection and pricing flexibility for transportation providers during emergencies. Supporters would likely favor the bill as a safeguard against exploitative fare increases when demand surges or supply is disrupted, especially in areas with limited transportation options. Potential opponents could argue that allowing officials to constrain pricing may interfere with market-based incentives that help attract drivers and vehicles to high-demand areas, though the bill itself notes that notices may request pricing adjustments that incentivize increased transportation options in a specific geographic area.