While new state laws usually take effect in August, Missourians need to be aware of several new laws, updates to laws and new provisions that took effect Wednesday.
Here are the details on three:
New Provision In Hands-Free Law
Starting on New Year’s Day, drivers caught violating Missouri’s hands-free phone law could face fines as opposed to only warnings.
The state’s “Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law” itself took effect in August 2023 to prohibit drivers from distractions like holding a phone to text, call, or perform other tasks while behind the wheel.
For the first time in 16 months with the hands-free law, violations could result in citations. According to state statutes, a first-time offense will result in a $150 fine, while penalties range from $250 to $500 for subsequent violations over two years.
Violating the hands-free law, however, still remains a secondary violation, similar to the seat belt law. This means law enforcement can only write a citation for violating Missouri’s hands-free law after pulling the driver over for a primary violation, like speeding or weaving lane lines.
Minimum Wage Increase And Sick Leave
According to the Missouri Department of Labor, the state’s minimum wage increased to $13.75 per hour for workers of “all private and non-exempt businesses” as of New Year’s Day.
In the November General Election, Missouri voters approved Proposition A, setting the stage for minimum wage increases over the next two years.
Once Proposition A took effect on Jan. 1, businesses with 15 or more employees are now required to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
Changes To Expungement Laws
Starting on New Year’s Day, the Missouri law on criminal expungements was revised to allow individuals with criminal records to apply for more expungements.
An expungement allows for the removal of criminal convictions from public record. The change is intended to assist individuals who have completed their sentences to clear their records and move forward with their lives.
