Last year’s legislative calendar was packed. Now, we’re going to see these new laws in action.
There was no shortage of controversial proposals on lawmakers’ ballots last year, and 2024 will see much of that legislation take effect. Here are some key areas seeing significant change.
Working and minimum wage
Nearly half of U.S. states are increasing their minimum wage this year, with roughly 40 cities and counties following suit. Washington, DC., which raised its minimum wage as of yesterday, continues to have the highest rate at $16.28 (up from $15.74). Twenty-two states, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont and Washington, plus Washington, DC., raised their rates as of Jan 1.
Anyone who fails to attend a scheduled job interview will now be denied unemployment claims in Arkansas. Things are looking up for workers in California, who can no longer be penalized for talking about what they’re paid with colleagues, or encouraging others to ask for a pay rise.
Abortion access
As of yesterday, a shield law in California will protect abortion providers from legal action from other states, if they care for patients from states with restrictive laws. Meanwhile, in Washington, new or renewed health insurance plans are banned from requiring cost sharing for terminations as of Jan 1.
Gun ownership
Illinois is banning high-powered semiautomatic rifles, Washington State is expanding its waiting period for gun purchases, and Californians won’t be allowed to carry guns in most public places. On January 1, Minnesota became the 20th state to introduce red flag laws empowering family members and law enforcement to ask a court to remove guns from people who are considered dangerous.
Gender-affirming care
At least 20 GOP-controlled states passed restrictions on gender-affirming care last year. These took effect in Louisiana and West Virginia yesterday — though the latter includes some exceptions. California providers however will be shielded from out-of-state litigation, and in Maryland, Medicaid is obliged to offer coverage for gender-affirming care as of yesterday.
On the roads
Law enforcement in California will be required to explain the reasons for pulling motorists over before they begin any questioning. Meanwhile, in response to data showing that Black people are more likely to go missing, but less likely to receive media attention when they do, California Highway Patrol is launching Ebony Alerts, an emergency system designed to notify the public of missing Black children and women aged between 12 and 25. Over in Illinois, videoconferencing while driving is now prohibited.
In libraries
Illinois will only allow state grants for libraries that comply with the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, or publicly reject book banning. Meanwhile, K-12 students in California will see media literacy and Asian-American history added to their curriculum.
