As we enter the new year, here are some new laws that caught our eye:
#METOO & HARASSMENT
There is no denying the #MeToo movement has played a role in many new laws, especially in the workplace. We expect as more women take over seats in Congress this year, more of these protections will also reach the federal level. For now, states are the ones making these mandates. CNBC reports:
At least 11 states, from California to Vermont, passed new protections addressing workplace harassment in 2018 — and many of them go into effect in the new year. California also passed a new law requiring women on corporate boards by the end of 2019.
The reforms come as the #MeToo movement has raised the curtain on sexual harassment and misconduct in the workplace. It also raised questions about whether board diversity can help combat abuse and prevent discrimination.
MINIMUM WAGE
While the federal minimum wage has been $7.25 an hour since 2009, 29 states now have set their own minimum wages above that amount. 20 of those states had increases yesterday. The Associated Press breaks down the states impacted.
SMOKING AGE
Recent studies have found between 25-30% of high school seniors vape. That’s thanks in parts to products like those from JUUL that are appealing to young people. Now Massachusetts is taking a big move hoping to curb use in those under the age of 21. You’ll now have to be of drinking age to purchase any nicotine product. CBS Boston reports:
No matter where you live in Massachusetts, the legal age to buy cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products will be 21 beginning in 2019.
“Raising the age to buy tobacco products in the Commonwealth is an important step to prevent addiction for young people and encourage healthy choices,” said Baker in signing the Tobacco 21 legislation in July.
About half of the state’s cities and towns, including Boston, had already bumped the legal age up from 18 to 21, but the new law makes it a statewide standard.
HOSPITAL PRICES
One of the most frustrating things about a hospital visit is getting hit by surprise charges. People report things like being charged $40 for one Tylenol. Now Florida is requiring hospitals to make their price list public. If all states followed suit this could be a game changer. ABC Sarasota says:
What are you paying for at the hospital? Before or after your doctors visit you end up with a large bill and sometimes you might ask the receptionist “What am I paying for?” Well now, hospitals will be required to post a list of their standard patient charges online under a new federal rule.
All Florida hospitals are already required to have a public list of their standard charges, but the latest change would make hospitals put that information online in a machine-readable format that can be easily processed by computers.
PUPPY MILL CRACKDOWN
A big victory for animal lovers in California. Pet stores are no longer allowed to sell dogs that come from puppy mills or breeders. Newsweek reports:
The Pet Rescue and Adoption Act — signed into law by California Governor Jerry Brown in 2017 — will begin to take effect on January 1, 2019. Under the law aimed at tackling mass-breeding operations, California will become the first state to limit store sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits to animals from rescues and shelters.
The new legislation requires all stores that sell pets to identify and display information on which public animal control agency, rescue group or shelter that the pet was sourced from. According to CNN, those who violate the rule will be subject to a $500 penalty per animal. However, state citizens will still be permitted to purchase pets directly from private breeders.
