Three new Missouri laws to know for 2025
Just days away from the new calendar year, Missouri and Illinois are preparing for several new laws to take effect.
ST. LOUIS - Just days away from the new calendar year, Missouri is preparing for several new laws to take effect.
While new Missouri laws generally take effect in August of each calendar year, there are some new laws, updates to laws and new provisions taking effect when 2025 begins. Here's a closer look at three of those laws heading into the new year:
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. A first-time offense will result in a $150 fine, while penalties range from $250 to $500 for subsequent violations over two years, according to state statutes.
However, violating the hands-free law 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
Starting on New Year's Day, the state’s minimum wage is set to increase to $13.75 per hour for workers of “all private and non-exempt businesses,” according to the Missouri Department of Labor.
Missouri voters approved Proposition A in the November General Election to set the stage for minimum wage increases over the next two years.
When Proposition A takes effect, it will also require businesses with 15 or more employees to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
Starting on New Year’s Day, Missouri will revise its law on criminal expungements, allowing individuals with criminal records to apply for more expungements.
An expungement allows for criminal convictions to be removed from public records. The change aims to help individuals who have completed their sentences clear their records and move forward.
The revised state statute increases limits on expungements to three misdemeanors and two felonies. Previously, the state only allowed for expungements of two misdemeanors and one felony conviction.
What's Your Reaction?
