NYC carriage ban faces expected legal challenges over constitutionality

New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino stated that Intro 943, the legislation to phase out horse-drawn carriages, is unconstitutional and that lawsuits will be filed immediately after the measure passes. The bill, known as Romanch’s Law, is scheduled for a council vote on Thursday and aims to eliminate the industry by June 1, 2028.

The proposal follows the death of 18-year-old tourist Romanch Mahajan, who died after jumping from a runaway carriage in Central Park. Mahajan’s mother was injured in the same incident. The legislation includes a transition plan for carriage drivers and requires the humane disposition of the horses. Paladino described the legal response as being "tangled up in legalese" due to the constitutional issues she identified.

Animal rights groups, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), support the ban. Paladino argued that eliminating the industry would threaten the livelihoods of carriage operators, many of whom are immigrants and small-business owners. She stated that these owners represent a "melting pot" and that their livelihoods exist within the city. Paladino also warned that the ban could weaken New York City’s tourism industry, noting that carriage rides are a "tremendous tourist attraction" for visitors from around the world.

The councilwoman criticized proposed alternatives such as electric bicycles and scooters, arguing they pose greater risks to pedestrians. She cited scooters traveling at 30 to 40 miles per hour that zigzag through parks without license, registration, or insurance. Paladani suggested the Mamdani administration should focus on regulating the scooter and bike industry instead of eliminating carriages if public safety is the primary concern.

The union representing carriage workers also announced plans to challenge the ban in court if it becomes law. Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.