Council approves historic legislation to phase out horse drawn carriage industry

Council passes bill to raise income eligibility limit for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program and the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) program

Council also approves Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA), allowing some nonprofits and not-for-profits to purchase residential properties

NEW YORK – Today, the New York City Council approved Romanch's Law, which will phase out horse-drawn carriages in Central Park by June 1, 2028, while ensuring protections for the workers whose livelihoods have long depended on the industry.

The legislation was passed following the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who was killed this summer after being thrown from a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park. Immediately following Mr. Mahajan’s death, the City Council held a hearing on the horse carriage industry to examine potential legislative action to wind down the practice, and to receive input from horse drawn cab owners and operators.

Horse-drawn carriages have been operating in Central Park since 1858, originally serving as a mode of transportation and evolving into a popular tourist attraction. However, the industry has since faced decades of scrutiny over animal welfare and public safety concerns.

The bill, which was passed today, will wind down the industry over the next 19 months and establish a framework for a safe and orderly transition for workers and horses.

“Today, the City Council made history. Our landmark vote to pass Romanch’s Law is a demonstration of this Council's commitment to animal welfare, public safety, and worker protection,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “The tragic and preventable death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan this summer underscored the need for urgent action after decades of mounting concerns. From longstanding animal welfare concerns and increasingly extreme heat conditions to historic overcrowding in Central Park, which now welcomes more than 42 million visitors annually, the status quo has become unsustainable and unsafe for horses and people alike. The Council took swift action, hearing hours of testimony from carriage drivers, animal welfare advocates, City officials, and constituents. The resulting plan establishes a deadline to phase out the industry while ensuring the development of a comprehensive workforce transition that will protect the livelihoods of the hardworking New Yorkers who depend on it. Thank you to Council Member Marte for championing this historic initiative, and to my Council colleagues and the advocates for their partnership in making it happen.”

“Romanch’s Law” to Phase Out the Horse Drawn Carriage Industry

Introduction 943-A , sponsored by Council Member Christopher Marte , would wind down the horse drawn cab industry by prohibiting the issuance of licenses for carriage horses, horse drawn cabs, and horse drawn cab drivers on or after June 1, 2028. Any licenses active as of the effective date of the bill would permanently expire on May 31, 2028, and would no longer be subject to renewal requirements. This bill requires the humane disposition of carriage horses and prohibits their sale or transfer for inhumane purposes, such as for slaughter or for use in another horse drawn cab business. This bill would also require an agency or agencies designated by the Mayor to establish a horse drawn cab industry transition plan by April 1, 2027 for horse drawn cab owners, drivers and other workers engaged in the horse drawn cab industry, including stable workers. Such plan would include a workforce transition program, consideration of a program to assist carriage horse owners with the disposition of their horses and equipment, and consideration of a program to provide compensation to horse drawn cab owners for the value of their businesses, licenses, and equipment.

“Today, the Council passed legislation that protects horses and passengers while supporting carriage workers as they move into new livelihoods,” said Council Member Christopher Marte . “Romanch’s Law provides time for that transition and requires the city to help workers access job opportunities, training, and career support. We wanted this bill to work for everyone, and our office worked hard to build the majority behind it. I thank Speaker Menin for her early public support and for working with us to strengthen the legislation and get it passed. After decades of debate, the persistence of advocates and the courage of the Mahajan family have helped us reach a point where we can retire these horses safely and help workers build their next chapter.”

Community Opportunity to Purchase Act

Introduction 905-A , sponsored by Council Member Sandy Nurse , would give certain not-for-profits or joint ventures between not-for-profits and other entities, as certified by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), a first opportunity to submit a statement of interest in purchasing and a first opportunity to purchase certain residential properties when offered for sale. The bill would require owners of subject properties to notify HPD and qualified entities when they intend to take action to sell such properties.

Qualified entities would have 20 days to submit a statement of interest in purchasing the property, and 70 days to submit a first offer to purchase the property. Qualified entities would also have a right of first refusal if an owner receives an offer from a person other than a qualified entity. An owner would be able to apply for an exemption to the requirements of this bill on a showing of undue financial hardship. HPD would be required to submit periodic reports on the program.

“The Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA) is an example of what happens when tenants, organizations and progressive legislators not only give the real estate lobby a run for its money, but win. After six years, multiple Mayors, and a veto, we finally passed COPA,” said Council Member Sandy Nurse . “COPA will keep thousands of struggling New Yorkers in their homes, preserve neighborhood affordability, and bring more at-risk housing into community control. It’s another tool now at our disposal to fight back against our city’s affordable housing crisis, help end displacement and give working families a chance to stay in the city we love.”