BILL NUMBER: S7886
SPONSOR: MAYER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to repeal article 2 of the general business law relating to the
sabbath; and to amend the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law,
in relation to removing references to such repealed law
 
PURPOSE:
To remove an obsolete article of the general business law related to
prohibited activities on Sundays.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one repeals article 2 of the general business law to remove
obsolete restrictions on activities conducted on Sundays.
Section two amends subdivision 7 of section 204 of the racing, paramutu-
el wagering and breeding law to remove a reference to the deleted arti-
cle.
Section three establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Article 2 of the General Business Law establishes restrictions on activ-
ities conducted on Sundays. These provisions, often referred to as "blue
laws," were enacted in the 19th century to promote rest and religious
observance on Sundays. They include prohibitions on labor, public enter-
tainment, and certain commercial activities on Sundays.
Modern society operates on a 24/7 schedule, with diverse work patterns
and consumer needs. The rigid restrictions imposed by Article 2 are
increasingly out of step with contemporary lifestyles and economic prac-
tices, potentially hindering commerce and employment opportunities. In
addition, maintaining outdated and unenforced statutes can lead to legal
confusion and undermine respect for the legal system. Finally, many of
these prohibitions are either unenforced or have been superseded by
other regulations that more appropriately address public welfare
concerns without imposing blanket restrictions based on the day of the
week.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.