What NYC's new security guard law means for your 2027 budget
New York City passed Local Law 61 of 2026, which sets new workplace protections for certain private sector security guards. If you hire guards directly or through a company like ours, here is what is known so far.
The key dates
The law phases in over three years. A minimum wage for covered guards starts January 1, 2027. Paid time off follows on January 1, 2028. Supplemental benefits begin January 1, 2029.
How the wage schedule works
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) posted the first minimum wage schedule on September 1, 2026. It covers January 1 through June 30, 2027. DCWP will publish an updated schedule for July through December 2027 by July 1, 2027, and employers must follow the updated schedule.
What employers have to do
Pay covered guards at least the scheduled rate, and give each covered guard a copy of the Notice of Employee Rights that DCWP will post. DCWP has said more guidance is coming, including details on who is covered, so check its security guard pages for updates.
If you hire a security company
Ask your provider three things now: whether your posts are covered, how the schedule changes their rates for 2027, and whether they will put that in writing. Then build it into next year's budget so it is not a surprise in January.
Where to read the source
The official information lives on the NYC DCWP website under Security Guards: Information for Employers. We will cover new guidance in the monthly brief as it comes out.
This article is general information, not legal or fire code advice. Requirements change, so confirm the details for your site with the agency named or with us before you rely on them.