New York Assembly Bill A08791

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/5/25
• Refer: 6/5/25

Caption

Requires self-help practitioners to disclose information to clients regarding risks and to produce a risk management plan.

Impact

If enacted, A08791 would require self-help practitioners to outline the risks involved in their services and deliver this information in a manner that is easily understandable to clients. This law intends to enhance consumer protection and responsibility among practitioners, mandating them to disclose specific risks linked to activities that could potentially lead to physical injury or distress. The bill would ultimately establish a framework for safer self-help practices within the state, focusing on accountability and emergency preparedness.

Summary

Bill A08791 seeks to amend the General Business Law by introducing mandatory disclosure requirements for self-help practitioners—those who provide financial, spiritual, or educational guidance without formal licensing. The core mandate is for these practitioners to provide clients with clear risk disclosures regarding the activities they offer, as well as to develop comprehensive risk management plans. This initiative emphasizes the importance of transparency in self-help practices and aims to protect consumers from potential physical harm or psychological distress associated with such activities.

Contention

During discussions surrounding A08791, there were concerns over the potential burden this legislation could place on self-help practitioners, particularly those who operate in informal settings. Opponents of the bill argued that it could hinder the availability of these services and limit accessibility, especially among small practitioners or those who do not have the resources to comply with such stringent requirements. Proponents, however, maintained that these measures are essential for consumer safety and transparency, aiming to mitigate risks associated with certain self-help practices that may lack proper oversight.