New York City officials announced on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, a plan to ban horse-drawn carriages in Central Park. City Council Speaker Julie Menin stated the Council will vote on the legislation, known as Romanch’s Law, on Oct. 22. If approved, the bill would stop the issuance of new operating licenses and require the industry to phase out by June 1, 2028.
The legislation gained momentum following the death of Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist from India, who died in the summer of 2026 after a horse carriage toppled in Central Park. According to the Central Park Conservancy, there were eight other documented incidents involving carriage horses over a 13-month period, including instances where horses collapsed. Previous efforts to end the industry by former mayors Bill de Blasio and Eric Adams had failed to secure enough support in the City Council.
The proposed bill includes provisions to prohibit the sale of carriage horses to slaughterhouses. It also mandates a "workforce transition program" to assist the unionized drivers affected by the ban. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who expressed support for the spirit of the bill earlier this summer, said through a spokesperson that his administration is working with union partners and animal welfare advocates to ensure a transition that protects workers.
The ban would affect the unionized carriage drivers represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU). The TWU, which did not immediately return messages for comment on the final announcement, previously testified through Administrative Vice President Alexander Kemp that members would lose jobs and that safety could be managed through better training. The bill includes financial compensation, job placement, and career counseling to mitigate the impact when the industry closes in June 2028.
Supporters of the ban, including the Central Park Conservancy, argue the change is necessary for public safety. The Conservancy’s president and CEO, Betsy Smith, stated the goal is to ensure no other visitors suffer injuries like those reported in 2026. The transition to a carriage-free park will likely change the tourism offerings at park entrances where horses currently congregate.
If the bill passes on Oct. 22, it will trigger a transition period of less than two years. Legal challenges remain a possibility, as union leaders previously indicated they would consider court action. The City Council vote is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026.