Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
The first day of the year brings a variety of new state laws, some of which appear to contain first-of-its-kind policies, programs or procedures.
tourists celebrate new year hawaii Could become the first country to be taxed to combat the consequences of climate change.
exist Utah, people Those who party too enthusiastically and are caught driving under the influence may be among the first to be slapped with red stripes and a “No Alcohol Sales” sticker.
There are still motorists here Georgia Could be the first to express patriotism through styling president Donald Trump has a special “America First” vehicle license.
Here are some new laws taking effect:
Earth’s first tourist tax
Many cities and states impose special taxes on hotel accommodations and vacation rentals. Hawaii will become the first state to raise a tourist lodging tax specifically to combat the effects of climate change.
State officials hope to use proceeds from an additional 0.75% daily room rate tax for projects such as replenishing sand on eroding beaches or removing invasive grasses similar to those that spark deadly wildfires. Maui August 2023. Officials estimate the so-called “greening fee” will generate nearly $100 million a year.
“As an island chain, Hawaii cannot wait until the next disaster strikes to take action. We must build resiliency now,” democracy Gov. Josh Green said when he signed the bill earlier last year.
“Please show ID” – regardless of your age
Utah’s already strict alcohol laws have become even stricter. As part of a new law aimed at keeping alcohol away from some people convicted of drunk driving, restaurants and bars will be required to check the identity of every customer before serving or selling alcohol to them, regardless of their age.
People convicted of “extremely intoxicated driving” (defined as a blood alcohol content of at least 0.16 percent or one of several other factors) must surrender their driver’s license. Any replacement ID will have a distinct red stripe on the front along with the words “No Alcohol Sales”. Judges also have the discretion to impose restrictions on lesser offenses, and anyone who wants to stop drinking can voluntarily obtain a red-stripe ID card.
“While this isn’t entirely watertight in ensuring that people on alcohol restriction don’t drink, it just makes it more difficult for them,” said republican State Rep. Steve Eliason, the sponsor of the legislation.
National brand insulin for sale
california Targeting high prescription drug prices by entering the industry itself. It would be the first state to sell affordable insulin under its own brand.
The sale comes nearly three years after the Democratic governor was elected. Gavin Newsom Announced a partnership with the nonprofit Civica to sell state-branded generic drugs at lower prices.
The suggested price for “CalRx” brand insulin pens is $11 each, with a maximum price of $55 for a five-pack.
Newsom also signed legislation last year requiring large health insurance companies to start capping insulin out-of-pocket costs at $35 per month.
Minimum wage $17 an hour
Annual inflation adjustments would raise Washington’s statewide minimum wage to $17.13 an hour, making it the first state to exceed the $17 threshold.
Others are not far behind. The statewide minimum wage will rise to $16.94 an hour in Connecticut and $16.90 an hour in California.
Some cities have even higher minimum wages. Rates will rise to $21.30 an hour in Seattle and $21.65 an hour in the Washington suburb of Tukwila.
At least a dozen states will have minimum wages of $15 or more, including new wages set by voter-approved ballot measures. missouri and Nebraska. In comparison, 20 other states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.
Patriotic license plate on the road
Georgia’s new special vehicle license plates will display American The flag says “America First.” The plate costs $90 for the first year and $55 to renew, while the annual fee for a standard plate is $20.
Republican state Sen. Steve Gooch, the sponsor of the legislation, said the new license plates give people the opportunity to “show support for President Trump and his movement every mile they drive.”
“No other state has passed it,” Gooch said. But “I expect other states will follow our legislation next year.”
Several other states are also unveiling new patriotic license plates as they celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Michigan will have new red, white and blue license plates. South Carolina will have a liberty flag sign that reads “Where the Revolutionary War Was Won.” pennsylvania During the celebration earlier this year, a “Let Freedom Sing” license plate with the Liberty Bell was printed.