WPBN: New legislation are scheduled to go into effect in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania on January 1, 2025, as the year draws to a close.
Numerous topics are covered by these legal amendments, such as health care, pay raises, and increased protections for locals. A thorough summary of the main laws that will be implemented in Pennsylvania is provided below.
New Laws in Pennsylvania Take Effect on January 1, 2025
1. Increase in Lawmaker Pay
Legislators, judges, and senior executive branch officials in Pennsylvania will be significantly impacted by the 3.4% pay hike. A state legislation that automatically enhances these public officials’ salaries requires this rise.
For instance, Governor Josh Shapiro will become the second-highest paid governor in the US in 2025 when his pay increases to around $246,000. According to an Associated Press story, he will be paid less than everyone but the governor of New York. The state’s policy of yearly cost-of-living increases for its public officers is reflected in this adjustment.
2. Newborns’ Safe Havens
The Safe Haven statute, which permits people to legally and safely surrender newborn children without worrying about facing consequences, has been extended in Pennsylvania.
Urgent care facilities and other medical facilities will be included in the list of Safe Haven destinations as of January 1, 2025. In the past, the only places designated as Safe Havens were hospitals, police stations, and fire departments.
The state hopes to give people who want to safely and stigma-free give up a newborn child more convenient and accessible options by including urgent care facilities and medical professionals.
3. Increased Doula Medicaid Coverage
Additionally, Pennsylvania is going to enact a new regulation that will allow Medicaid to cover doula services. This amendment will reimburse doulas for providing postpartum services for up to a year following childbirth, as well as childbirth education and emotional and physical support during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
Through ensuring that families have access to comprehensive and individualized care throughout one of the most crucial periods of life, this project aims to address gaps in maternal and infant health outcomes, especially in underserved regions.
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4. Biomarker Cancer Testing Coverage
All Pennsylvania-regulated health insurance plans, including Medicaid, will now include cancer biomarker testing. A vital diagnostic technique for locating particular genetic or molecular indicators in a patient’s cancer is biomarker testing. These indicators can help physicians choose the most individualized and successful course of treatment.
The state hopes to enhance cancer patient outcomes, lessen inequalities in access to cutting-edge medical treatment, and guarantee that people receive timely, targeted medicines that are particular to their diseases by requiring this coverage.
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New Laws in New Jersey Take Effect on January 1, 2025
1. The minimum wage
The statewide minimum wage in New Jersey will rise by $0.36 to $15.49 per hour for the majority of workers.
2. Rights of victims of sexual assault
Victims of sexual assault may ask to be informed of specific developments, such as the progress of forensic evidence gathered in relation to their case.
3. Certification of teachers
It will be illegal for the New Jersey Board of Education to require certain teachers to pass a commissioner-approved test of fundamental math, reading, and writing skills in order to obtain their certification.
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New Laws in Delaware Take Effect on January 1, 2025
1.Insurance for abortions
Beginning January 1, 2025, for Medicaid, and January 1, 2026, for the majority of private and state-regulated insurance plans, abortions and associated medical care will be covered by insurance.
2. Paid time off
In order to cover care for a new child or family member with serious health concerns, a serious personal accident or illness, or support while loved ones are sent overseas for military service, some employees are eligible to receive up to 80% of their pay.
