The New York City Council voted last week to override 17 vetoes issued by former Mayor Eric Adams, reinstating a broad package of legislation aimed at strengthening worker protections, expanding housing affordability and clears a path for street vendor expansion, according to a council press release.
The overrides, approved by supermajority votes at City Hall, also restore measures creating a legal avenue for survivors of gender-motivated violence to seek civil accountability. The bills were originally passed by the council in late 2025.
A key component of the legislative sweep is street vendor reform. Introduction 431-B would expand licensing for mobile food and general vendors by making 2,200 additional supervisory license applications annually from 2026 through 2031 and 10,500 general vending licenses in 2027, council officials said. Supporters say the changes address long licensing backlogs and undercut illegal permit rentals.
“Today, New York City is finally reforming its street vending system in a way that works for everyone,” said Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez, sponsor of the street vendor licensing bill.
Other legislation reinstated includes measures limiting wrongful deactivation of drivers for hire, expanding opportunities for affordable homeownership and requiring clearer co-op apartment sale timelines, according to the council.
The council also reinstated the Aland Etienne Safety & Security Act, backed by former Speaker Adrienne E. Adams, which mandates minimum wage, paid vacation and supplemental benefits for security guards working on city public building service contracts.
In addition, council members restored a bill to permit civil claims for gender-motivated violence that occurred before a 2022 law update, providing a legal framework for survivors to seek damages.
Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, sponsor of the gender-violence bill, said the action ensures protections will “not be weakened by ambiguity or technical loopholes.”
Several bills that were vetoed but not overridden will remain blocked, council sources said. The override requires a two-thirds majority under the City Charter.
The overrides reflect heightened legislative pushback against the outgoing Adams administration’s last-day vetoes and signal the council’s intent to assert its policy priorities on housing, labor and legal protections.
