WPBN: Many states will enact new laws in the coming year. The most intriguing laws that will take effect on January 1st are listed below.
Arizona
Arizona’s minimum wage will rise to $14.70 per hour.
The minimum wage in Arizona is going to go up on New Year’s Day, which means that some of the state’s lowest-paid workers are going to receive a raise.
There will be a 35 cent increase in the minimum wage beginning on January 1, 2025, which would bring the official state minimum wage up to $14.70 per hour.
In terms of annual compensation, the new minimum salary is comparable to $30,576. As a result of the rise, Arizona will take its place among the states with the highest minimum wage in the country.
California
AI in Hollywood
It is against the law to employ artificial intelligence to reproduce the voice or likeness of an actor without first obtaining authorization, as stated in Assembly Bill 2602.
There is a prohibition in AB 1836 on using the voices or likenesses of deceased performers without first obtaining permission from their estate.
What’s New for California in the New Year: Top Laws Set to Take Effect From January 1
Auto/cars
In order to close the “locked door loophole,” which required prosecutors to demonstrate that automobile doors were secured at the time of a burglary, Senate Bill 905 has been passed.
This provides prosecutors with more leeway to confront the issue of thefts and burglaries of automobiles.
Felonies
For retail shops, the ability to get restraining orders against individuals who have been sentenced for stealing, vandalizing, or assaulting an employee at that store is made possible by Assembly Bill 3209.
Because of Assembly Bill 1779, district attorneys in the state of California are now able to collaborate with other district attorneys in order to consolidate charges against suspects in retail theft cases that take place in numerous counties.
A sentencing enhancement is created by Assembly Bill 1960 for the offense of stealing, damaging, or destroying property while committing a felony to the extent that the property worth is greater than $50,000.
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Health
In vitro fertilization (IVF) coverage is mandated under Senate Bill 729. Access will also be extended to families that identify as LGBTQ+.
Tampons and other menstruation products that contain potentially harmful compounds are prohibited from being sold as a result of Assembly Bill 2515.
Because of Assembly Bill 1902, pharmacies are required to make prescription labels accessible to individuals who are blind, have low vision, or are unable to read printed materials.
New Year, New Rules: Connecticut State Laws Going Into Effect on January 1, 2025
Florida
Safeguarding Children Online
According to this Florida law (HB 3), minors under the age of 14 are not allowed to have social media accounts. However, with parental permission, children ages 14 and 15 are able to create accounts.
In a statement about the measure, Governor Ron DeSantis stated, “Social media harms children in a variety of ways,” “HB 3 gives parents a greater ability to protect their children.”
Pennsylvania’s New Year, New Laws: What’s Changing on January 1, 2025
Illinois
Transparency in Pay
Larger firms will be obliged to disclose the wage scale in each job posting as of the new year. Employers with fifteen or more workers are subject to the new law, which changes the state’s Equal Pay Act.
Ads for Youth Vaping
A business is not allowed to advertise an electronic cigarette in a way that would lead someone to believe it is something other than a tobacco product, according to the amendment to the Preventing Youth Vaping Act.
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New York
Pricing for congestion
New York City plans to implement congestion pricing on Sunday, January 5, 2025.
Texas
Removal of safety inspections for cars
The Texas legislature decided to eliminate the requirement for noncommercial automobiles to undergo vehicle safety inspections in 2023.
As a “inspection program replacement fee” that is added when the vehicle is registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, the $7.50 cost will be applied instead.
New cars from the last two model years that have never been registered before will be required to pay a $16.75 one-time fee that will be paid for two years.
Where necessary, emissions inspections are not eliminated.
2025 Changes Ahead: New Laws Going Into Effect Across DC!
Washington
Low-income kids will get a new college tuition guarantee in 2026.
Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, low-income students will be guaranteed free college tuition thanks to a new law in Washington state called House Bill 2214.
Students in grades 10 through 12 who receive Basic Food or Food Assistance Program benefits are immediately eligible for the state’s main financial assistance program, the Washington College Grant (WCG), according to the legislation.
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