Romanch's Law: NYC Council to Vote on Central Park Carriage Ban October 22
New York City is preparing to vote on Romanch's Law on October 22, aimed at prohibiting new licenses for horse-drawn carriages. The legislation, named in honor of Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old from India who tragically died in June due to a carriage incident, marks a significant moment in the industry’s history. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on October 13 the suspension of carriage operations, highlighting concerns about equine welfare and worker rights. Introduced by Council Member Christopher Marte and backed by Council Speaker Julie Menin, the proposal has faced backlash from the Transportation Workers Union, which labels it politically motivated. Advocates have suggested a phased implementation over 20 months.
Key facts
- The New York City Council votes on Romanch's Law on October 22
- The bill is named for Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old from India killed in a June runaway carriage accident
- His death is the first and only documented fatality of its kind in the industry's 160-year history
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced his support on X on October 13, 2026
- Council Member Christopher Marte sponsored the bill and credited Speaker Julie Menin's early support
- The legislation bans selling or transferring horses for slaughter or to another carriage business
- The Transportation Workers Union opposes the bill; president John Samuelsen criticized it as political opportunism
- The Central Park Conservancy's Betsy Smith called for a safe 20-month phaseout
Entities
Artists
- Zohran Mamdani
- Christopher Marte
- Julie Menin
- Romanch Mahajan
- John Samuelsen
- Steve Nislick
- Betsy Smith
Institutions
- New York City Council
- Transportation Workers Union
- New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets
- NYCLASS
- Central Park Conservancy
- My Modern Met
- The New York Times
Locations
- New York City
- United States
- Central Park
- India