NYC Issues Emergency Executive Order No. 1.9

Order extends state of emergency, lifts some suspensions to comply with laws and regulations

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Mayor of New York City has issued Emergency Executive Order No. 1.9, which extends the existing state of emergency first declared in 2021 and lifts some of the suspensions of laws and regulations that were previously put in place. The order requires the Department of Correction (DOC) to develop and implement a plan to come into compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Why it matters

The ongoing state of emergency in New York City has allowed the Department of Correction to operate outside of certain legal and regulatory requirements, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. This new executive order aims to establish a path forward for the DOC to comply with relevant laws while still maintaining the emergency powers granted during the crisis.

The details

Emergency Executive Order No. 1.9 extends the state of emergency first declared in 2021 for an additional 5 days. However, it lifts the suspensions of certain procurement laws and administrative code sections that were previously waived. The DOC is now required to work with the Law Department to develop a plan to bring the department into compliance with applicable laws and regulations, while also identifying any additional suspensions that can be lifted.

  • The state of emergency was first declared by Emergency Executive Order No. 241 on September 15, 2021.
  • Emergency Executive Order No. 1.8, dated February 14, 2026, is extended for 5 days by this new order.
  • The provisions of the New York City Charter, Procurement Policy Board Rules, and Administrative Code sections suspended in 2021 are no longer suspended, effective immediately.

The players

New York City Mayor

The chief executive of New York City, who has the authority to declare states of emergency and issue executive orders.

Department of Correction (DOC)

The city agency responsible for operating the correctional facilities in New York City, which has been operating under relaxed regulations during the state of emergency.

New York City Law Department

The legal counsel for the City of New York, which will be working with the DOC to develop a plan for compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

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What’s next

The DOC, in consultation with the Law Department, will regularly update the Mayor on additional suspensions that can be lifted to comply with the implementation action plan and applicable laws and regulations.

The takeaway

This executive order represents an effort by the city to balance the ongoing state of emergency with the need for the Department of Correction to operate within the bounds of the law. The development of a compliance plan is a critical step in ensuring transparency and accountability as the city navigates this crisis.