New YorkA 22492025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Relates to model management companies and model management groups

Sponsored By: Karines Reyes (Democratic)

Became Law

LABORCODESRULES

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Stronger enforcement and model remedies

You can file a complaint within six years. You can sue and recover your actual losses, your reasonable attorneys’ fees, and extra damages up to 100% of your losses (up to 300% for willful violations). No one may retaliate against you for using these rights. The commissioner can fine violators $3,000 for a first offense and $5,000 after, and can seek court orders to stop violations. The attorney general can sue for repeated fraud, and failing to register is a violation.

Fair pay: caps and fee limits for models

Your agency cannot charge a signing fee. It can only take the agreed commission and authorized advances—no extra fees or interest—and must get your written OK first with itemized proof each quarter. Commission is capped at 20% of your pay. If the agency books lodging you repay, it must give you the price in writing before you stay. It also needs your written consent before advancing travel or visa costs.

Overtime pay and meal breaks for models

If you work more than 8 hours in 24 hours, the client pays at least 1.5 times your hourly rate for those extra hours. You also get a 30‑minute meal break on long days that go past 8 hours.

Safer modeling jobs and consent rules

Agencies must vet jobs and avoid unreasonable safety risks. Clients must have and share safety and anti‑abuse policies, and follow state consent rules for nudity or sexual content. Clients must carry liability insurance that protects models’ health and safety. You may bring your agent, manager, or chaperone to any job.

Stronger model contracts and transparency

Agencies owe you a fiduciary duty and must act in your best interest. They must give a plain‑language deal memo before work and the final contract in your requested language within seven days after services end. Contracts cannot last longer than three years and only renew with your written consent. Companies may not discriminate or harass you. Agencies must disclose money ties with clients and tell former models when royalties are collected.

Your rights over AI replicas

No one can create, change, or use your digital replica without your clear written consent. Agencies must get consent in a separate document that states the purpose, scope, pay rate, and how long it will be used. Clients must also get clear written consent before any digital replica use. The law defines a “digital replica” and treats social media work and replicas as modeling services. Routine photo touch‑ups are not digital replicas.

Registration and costs for model agencies

Model management companies must register to operate in New York. Registration costs $500 for up to five employees, or $700 for more; half is returned if the application is denied or withdrawn. If you have more than five employees who work in or for New York, you must post a $50,000 bond. You must report office locations, tax IDs, recent jurisdictions, and key owners, and renew every two years; initial registration is due within one year after the article takes effect. Out‑of‑state firms can request an exemption only if licensed under equally strict rules and they keep no New York office or solicitation.

When these modeling rules start

Most parts of this law take effect 180 days after it became law. Registration rules begin one year after that date. Agencies can issue rules right away to prepare. The rest of this act takes effect now, and one section follows a 2024 chapter’s timing.

New rules for model management groups

The law defines a "model management group" as two or more model management companies with the same majority owner. A group can file reports and meet financial requirements together. To register, each company in the group must promise to pay the other members’ financial obligations.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Karines Reyes
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

William Colton
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 45 • No: 16

House vote • 2/10/2025

FLOOR Vote