January 30, 2026 NEW YORK, NY The "Midnight Vetoes" of Eric Adams have been officially deleted.
In a display of political force not seen in New York City for over a decade, the City Council gathered Thursday to systematically dismantle the final roadblocks left behind by the former mayor. On his way out the door on December 31, Adams issued a flurry of vetoes; yesterday, the Council fired back, overriding 17 of them in a single afternoon.
"This is a historic assertion of authority," declared Speaker Julie Menin. The message was clear: The Adams era is over, and the Council is now holding the pen.
The Power Shift: What Just Became Law?
The Council didn't just override these bills; they resurrected a massive platform of progressive legislation that had been sitting in the morgue. Here is the breakdown of the most explosive changes coming to your neighborhood:
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The "Uber & Lyft" Shield: App-based drivers can no longer be "deactivated" (fired) without just cause. This is now the strongest due-process protection for gig workers in the entire United States.
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Street Vending Revolution: The decades-old "dysfunctional" system is being torn down. The city is creating a new Division of Street Vendor Assistance and expanding license access to bring thousands of "shadow" vendors into the legal light.
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Justice for Survivors: A loophole that threatened civil lawsuits for survivors of gender-motivated violence has been slammed shut, restoring a vital legal framework for victims seeking justice.
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The Land Bank: New York is ditching the private-sector "high bidder" tax lien sales. In its place? A public, nonprofit Land Bank designed to turn tax-delinquent properties into community assets.
"Anti-Worker Vetoes" Tossed Aside
The atmosphere in the chambers was electric as lawmakers took turns taking jabs at the former administration’s policies. Council Member Shekar Krishnan didn't mince words, calling the move a victory over "anti-immigrant, anti-worker" roadblocks.
Meanwhile, the Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act was revived, ensuring security guards—the city’s front-line defenders—receive a living wage and actual benefits.
The Three That Got Away
Despite the sweep, the Council proved it isn't a monolith. Three vetoes actually held firm, failing to reach the two-thirds "supermajority" required by the City Charter.
