Bill > S00335

This bill, known as the "Twenty-First Century Anti-Trust Act," significantly expands New York's antitrust laws to address what legislators see as growing corporate power and market concentration. The bill introduces several key changes to existing law, including broadening the definition of monopolistic and anti-competitive practices. Specifically, it makes it unlawful for companies with a "dominant position" to abuse that power, with new provisions that allow for establishing dominance through direct or indirect evidence, such as market share (40% or more for sellers, 30% or more for buyers) or specific abusive practices. The bill creates a presumption of illegality for certain business restraints, like exclusive dealing requirements or conditioning sales on purchasing additional products. It also empowers the Attorney General to adopt rules identifying unfair competitive practices and allows for class action lawsuits by parties directly or indirectly harmed by anti-competitive conduct. The legislation increases penalties for violations, raising potential criminal fines to $1 million for individuals and $100 million for corporations, and extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting such violations from three to five years. Importantly, the bill explicitly recognizes labor markets as a key area of concern, providing protections for workers' rights and collective bargaining, and requires companies to notify the Attorney General of significant mergers and acquisitions.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S335