Meaghan Lambert Feenan

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed a new law simplifying and modernizing service of process requirements for Surrogate's Court proceedings. Senate Bill 8175 abandons the historically strict requirement of personal service on New York domiciliaries, allowing for service of process by mail in Surrogate’s Court proceedings. Where service by mail cannot be completed after diligent efforts, the amendments also allow for service by e-mail by court order.

The state of New York apparently has consented to a court injunction temporarily prohibiting it from changing its interpretation of its own rules on how far a cannabis dispensary must be from a school or house of worship.

On August 12, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled that New York’s adult-use cannabis licensing scheme, which gives “Extra Priority” to applicants (or certain relatives) with New York State marijuana convictions, is unconstitutional under the Dormant Commerce Clause. The case, Variscite NY Four, LLC v. New York State Cannabis Control Board, vacates the Northern District of New York’s denial of a preliminary injunction and remands for further proceedings.