Speaker Julie Menin Announces New York City Council Will Vote on Romanch’s Law

 

Full Council will vote October 22 on legislation to ban horse-drawn carriage industry from Central Park

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin today announced that the Council will vote on Romanch’s Law, which would 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 landmark legislation follows the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who was killed this past June after being thrown from a runaway carriage in Central Park. As Central Park has become increasingly congested with pedestrians, cyclists, and other micromobility users, community members and advocates have called for an end to the industry over infrastructure, safety, and animal welfare concerns.

The Council will bring the bill to vote on October 22. There are currently 29 Council Members co-sponsoring the introduction.

“The tragic and preventable death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan made clear that the status quo is no longer acceptable,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “Horse-drawn carriages have long been part of New York City’s history, but in an increasingly busy Central Park, this tradition has become a growing public safety liability. Next week, the Council will take decisive action by voting on Romanch’s Law to protect New Yorkers, visitors, and the horses themselves. Just as importantly, the legislation will require the Administration to develop a plan to connect hardworking New Yorkers employed in this industry with new economic opportunities. We can honor our city’s traditions while recognizing when it’s time to move forward in the interest of public safety, protecting workers, and strengthening our city’s economic vitality.”

Immediately following Mr. Mahajan’s death, Speaker Menin on June 17 announced the Council would hold a hearing on the horse carriage industry to examine potential legislative action. The hearing was held the following month at City Hall on July 14, where Council Members heard input from stakeholders, community members, City agencies, and advocates throughout the day. The Council conducted a thoughtful review process to implement community feedback and produce a final, comprehensive version of the law that will now be voted on next week by the full body.

If passed, the bill would prohibit the issuance of new carriage licenses, and the operation of all carriages would be prohibited beginning June 1, 2028.

In order to ensure a smooth workforce transition, the bill mandates that the Mayoral administration establish employment opportunity programs for carriage drivers and other workers in the industry, including referrals to relevant job opportunities, career counseling and job placement, hiring events and career fairs, identification of educational opportunities and tuition assistance programs, and a program to assist owners in finding humane disposition of horses.

In addition, Speaker Menin’s office is forming a joint working group and has invited the Administration and labor to each have one representative serve alongside one Speaker’s office representative. The group will work through the transition and aim to improve outcomes for workers.