ALBANY, NY — With the new year, a number of new laws take effect in New York State. State Sen. John Bonacic has highlighted a few of them in a release to constituents.

Tax credits for businesses that hire veterans. Starting in 2015, businesses can receive a tax credit for hiring and employing a qualified veteran. The credit is equal to 10% of the total amount of wages paid to the veteran during his or her first full year of employment. If the veteran is disabled, the credit amount is increased to 15%. The credit is capped at $5,000 per veteran or $15,000 per disabled veteran. Any unused credit may be carried forward to the following three years.

Tax credits for employers that hire workers with disabilities. A new tax incentive is available to business owners who employ individuals with developmental disabilities. The credit equals 15% of the wages for qualified full-time employees who work at least 30 hours per week, and 10% for qualified part-time employees who work at least eight hours per week; each employee must have worked at least six months.

Creation of a homeless veterans assistance fund. A law was approved that creates a fund to assist homeless veterans with housing and housing-related expenses. New Yorkers will be able to make contributions when filing income taxes through a tax check-off.

Protecting minors from identity theft. Credit agencies will now be required to place a credit-record freeze on the account of a minor when requested by a parent or guardian. This will protect children from identity theft and stop thieves from being able to use stolen information to apply for government benefits, apply for credit cards and loans or rent a place to live.

Protecting people in adult homes. The new law requires adult care facilities and assisted living residences to perform criminal background checks on prospective direct-care staff for nursing homes and home care agencies.

Tax credits for music and theatrical production. This new tax credit encourages touring musical and theatrical productions in upstate New York theaters, enhancing investment in upstate cities, creating jobs and stimulating the economy. Eligible production companies can claim a tax credit equal to 25% of certain costs, up to $4 million per year. This tax credit was included in the 2014-15 state budget.

Long-term health care insurance. In 2010, the legislature enacted a law that allows end-of-life care for people in nursing homes to be financed using accelerated payments from life insurance. Starting January 1, the measure was expanded to allow for this type of financing to be used for people receiving end-of-life care in hospice, adult day care services, palliative care or by a long-term home health care provider. In addition, the law establishes a public awareness program to encourage individuals to purchase life insurance and/or long-term care insurance. Encouraging more people to finance their own long-term care will reduce future Medicaid expenditures, as well as provide greater peace of mind for families dealing with end-of-life care for loved ones.