WPBN: As of the beginning of the new year, the state of Missouri will be implementing a few new laws. This is what they might signify for you in the future.
Putting an end to texting while driving
Tickets for the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law will be made available for purchase in the new year, following its approval in August of 2023. In spite of the fact that the law was passed more than a year ago, it included a grace period of sixteen months before the issuance of tickets could begin.
However, from January 1, 2025, that grace period will come to an end, which means that anyone who uses a phone while operating a car will be subject to a citation.
The hands-free law makes it illegal to be physically texting, calling, filming a video, or simply holding a phone while driving. There is no restriction on the use of hands-free methods like as Bluetooth and voice controls.
In the event of a first conviction, a fine of up to $150 may be imposed. You could be subject to a fine of up to $250 for a second conviction, and you could face a punishment of up to $500 for a third conviction.
In an effort to reduce the number of accidents and distracted driving that occur in Missouri, the hands-free law was enacted. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, accidents involving distracted drivers have resulted in the deaths of at least 382 individuals and the serious injuries of 2,809 others in the state of Missouri during the course of the past five years.
Big Changes Ahead: How Michigan’s New 2025 Laws Could Impact You?
Raise the minimum salary threshold
Beginning on January 1, the minimum wage in the state of Missouri will be raised to $13.75. In comparison to the existing minimum wage of $12.30, this represents an increase.
Following the approval of Proposition A by voters in November, the hike has been implemented. An additional increase in the minimum wage will take effect on January 1, 2026, bringing the minimum pay to $15. This increase is a component of the proposition.
Missouri has been steadily increasing its minimum wage for a number of years. In 2018, voters gave their approval to a plan that would progressively raise the minimum wage from $7.85 to $12.30. As a result of this proposition, the minimum wage would have increased to $12.30 in 2024 and would have reached $12.65 that same year.
Another consequence of the passage of Proposition A is that employers will be obligated to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every thirty hours of labor that they have performed.
The measure does not apply to governments, political subdivisions, school districts, or educational institutions because they are exempt from its provisions.
2025 Brings New Changes: Top New laws to set for Delaware in 2025
Alterations to the legislation governing expungement
Beginning January 1, individuals who have a criminal record will have the opportunity to submit further expungement requests. A conviction for a criminal offense is removed from the public record through the process of expungement.
When the Act was first enacted, it stated that a person may only be given an expungement for a maximum of two misdemeanors and no more than one felony. In the year 2025, this limit will be raised to a maximum of three misdemeanors and a maximum of two felonies of any kind.
