2024’s Top New Laws Impacting Americans from January 1st
TL/DR –
As 2024 begins, several new state laws across the US are coming into effect. Notable changes include the banning of programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion at publicly funded colleges and universities in Texas and Florida, new rules on gun ownership, and the creation of additional healthcare and workplace protections. New laws concerning minimum wage, gender transition care, and voting have also been enacted in various states.
New U.S State Laws for 2024
New laws on guns, minimum wage, and gender transition care have taken effect with the advent of 2024. Most notable among these is the ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I) initiatives at Texas public colleges, mirroring a similar law previously made in Florida. Read more about the Texas law here.
Additional State Law Changes
Other states are implementing new regulations on guns and marijuana, and providing extra healthcare and workplace protections. A significant number of states have established new voting laws, majority of which will come into effect at 2024’s primary and general elections.
Gun Ownership Laws
In California, a federal appeals court has ruled that guns can’t be carried in most public places. This law was set to take effect after an 11th-hour ruling that dismissed an earlier lower court’s block. Read about the lower court ruling here.
Red-flag laws are already in place in 19 states and the District of Columbia, which allow firearms to be temporarily removed from dangerous individuals. This week, Minnesota joined the list as the 20th state to authorize this law.
Workplace and Wage Regulations
Twenty-two states have increased their minimum wages, according to the Economic Policy Institute. Around 40 cities and counties are also following suit, with many raising the wage to $15 per hour or more for some or all employees.
For Alabama workers, any hours worked over 40 per week will be exempt from state taxes and effectively exclude overtime pay from gross income. Learn more about Alabama’s new law here.
Public Safety Measures
California is launching laws to improve equity. Before questioning, law enforcement officers must inform drivers why they have been stopped, aiming to deter officers from exploiting traffic stops for other investigations. In addition, the California Highway Patrol is initiating an emergency system, Ebony Alerts, to notify the public about missing Black children and women aged 12-25.
Health Care Legislation
Twenty states with Republican-controlled legislatures have passed bans or restrictions on gender transition care for young people in 2023. The changes will be in effect in Louisiana and West Virginia starting New Year’s Day.
Educational Updates
In Illinois, a new law prohibits book bans in libraries. Libraries wanting state grants are required to adopt the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights or have a statement rejecting the banning of books.
Consumer Protection
Online dating services in Connecticut must now implement procedures for reporting undesirable behavior and provide safety advice, including warnings about romance scams. In California, large retailers are required to provide gender-neutral sections of children’s toys or child care items.
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