Assemblyman Eichenstein and Senator Sutton Announce Passage of Bill to Stop Shabbos Sanitation Tickets

Albany, NY – Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein and Senator Sam Sutton are proud to announce the successful passage of their important legislation that prohibits the New York City Department of Sanitation from issuing fines after 3 PM on Fridays, a crucial step to protect Sabbath observers and other New Yorkers from receiving unfair sanitation tickets. 

Last year, the NYC Department of Sanitation enacted a rule requiring residents to place their trash on the curb after 8:00 PM in an effort to combat the city’s rat problem. However, this rigid policy ignores the needs of religious New Yorkers who are prohibited from handling trash on Shabbos. As a result, many residents have been subjected to steep fines of $50-$300 simply for observing their faith.

The legislation (Bill# S8256/A2693) prohibits Sanitation Department enforcement agents from ticketing New York City residents from 3:00 PM on Friday. This legislation was necessary to allow for Sabbath-observant members of the Jewish community to comply with city rules without choosing between violating their religious beliefs or getting a sanitation ticket. Both houses of the State Legislature overwhelmingly passed this legislation during the final days of the scheduled legislative session.

“This important legislation will ensure that New Yorkers do not have to choose between their religious beliefs and avoiding a ticket, and will also prevent residents from being unfairly targeted simply because they observe Shabbos,” said Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein. “I thank Senator Sam Sutton for partnering with me in sponsoring this bill and look forward to continue working with him to enhance the quality of life throughout our neighborhoods.”

“I am proud to have sponsored this common-sense bill that respects the diverse needs of New York City residents, and I thank Assemblyman Eichenstein for his leadership on this issue,” said Senator Sam Sutton. “No one should have to choose between adhering to their faith or facing a sanitation fine. This bill ensures that our city’s policies are inclusive and considerate of all residents’ beliefs. It’s a small change with a big positive impact, making life a little easier for countless individuals and families across our city.”

Assemblyman Sam Berger, a co-sponsor of the legislation added, “This legislation shows what it means for government to understand and respect the needs of the communities it serves. Suspending enforcement on Shabbos isn’t just policy — it’s a reflection of good governance and understanding.”

Assemblyman Kalman Yeger, also a co-sponsor of the legislation added, “This common-sense legislation will fix a problem that New York City has refused to address. It is impossible for Shabbos-observant New Yorkers to comply with the Department of Sanitation’s new trash setout times. In 2023, the Sanitation Department personally promised me that Shabbos-observant New Yorkers need not worry about being issued summonses on Shabbos. Unfortunately, that promise has not been kept. Assemblyman Eichenstein and I are stepping in with this common-sense bill that should not be necessary, but unfortunately is. I’m grateful for his leadership on this, and I look forward to moving this bill through the legislature.”