New Laws in 2020

New resolutions aren’t the only thing being made this year. Multiple states have used the turn of the decade to bring a new wave of laws, both big and small. As January begins, new laws will rollout across the country. Here are some of the laws that have already gone into effect in 2020.

Minimum Wage is Moving Up

In 21 states, 72 jurisdictions increased minimum wage. Of the 72 jurisdictions, 17 have a minimum wage of $15 per hour or more. As the year continues, four more states will increase their minimum wage, including Illinois and Minnesota. 

California Enacts Tough Consumer Privacy Laws

California has enacted a revolutionary law that allows California residents to demand companies disclose the data they have collected. If California residents chose, they can ask companies to delete the data, to which companies must comply. Titled The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the new law is the nation’s toughest legislation on data privacy. 

Cyclists Don’t Have to Obey All Traffic Signs

In many states, bicyclists must adhere to the same laws as cars. In Oregon, cyclists are now allowed to roll through stop sign intersections if they are able to slow the bike to a safe speed. 

While some believe this will help incentive more bicycles on the road, others fear it might increase the possibility of bicycle accidents. “In 2016, 78% of cyclists involved in fatal bicycle accidents were struck by the front of a vehicle,” note the bicycle accident lawyers at The Fang Law Firm, “a collision between a cyclist and a motor vehicle can cause serious injuries or death for the bicyclist.”

Survivors of Sexual Abuse Have More Options to Sue

Both California and Illinois have adjusted filing deadlines to empower sexual abuse survivors to come forward. In California, victims of all ages have the chance to pursue personal injury lawsuits by suspending the statute of limitations. Survivors of childhood sexual abuse have until age 40 or five years from the time the abuse was discovered to pursue an injury lawsuit. Illinois has removed the statute of limitations on criminal sexual assault, regardless of the age of the victim. 

Guns Laws Have Gotten Stricter and More Lax

In response to growing number of mass shootings in America, the states of Colorado, Hawaii, and Nevada have enacted a gun restriction, called the “red flag” law. The law allows for family, household members and law enforcement to petition a court order to temporarily take away guns from an individual deemed to be at significant risk of hurting themselves or others.

In Tennessee, a recent law was passed to make it easier for residents to receive a concealed carry handgun permit.

Cash Bail is Becoming a Thing of the Past

New York has joined California and Alaska to eliminate the money bail system. The newly passed law eliminates money bail for almost all misdemeanor and nonviolent felony cases. The law could free thousands of those currently incarcerated for pretrial detention and eliminate what many critics call “wealth-based incarceration”. 

Texting and Driving Bans Spread

Florida and Massachusetts have enacted texting and driving tickets, even when drivers are stopped at an intersection. Non-moving violations are $30, but moving violations are double, costing drivers $60. If a driver is speeding and texting, fines increase. Florida and Massachusetts are two of the 48 states with a text messaging ban for drivers.

The new decade promises growth, prosperity and laws that help us govern in the best way to protect all. While these are certainly not all of the new bills that will be enacted in 2020, they are some of the many that are already in effect. Celebrate the new year and new laws by reading up on which ones affect your state.