ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – As the new year approaches, there’s a few new laws going into effect.
The Siddens-Bening Hands-Free law started in 2023 with a grace period where police have been giving out warnings for holding your phone while driving. That law official goes into effect on New Years Day where tickets will now be issued.
“You are not supposed to be using your phone to make those phone calls and update your Facebook status and record your movies and everything else from there,” said Steve Sitzes, Washington Missouri Police Department.
This is considered a secondary offense.
“You have to have some other traffic infraction or violation that you have to be stopped for, for that to be a companion ticket,” said Sitzes.
For example, the traffic violation could be due to speeding or reckless driving.
“It’s a law for everyone, so everyone needs to pay attention to the law and be aware of the law,” said Sitzes.
Another law going into effect in 2025 is an increase to Missouri’s minimum wage.
Nearly half a million Missourians will be getting a raise. The minimum wage is set to increase to $13.75 an hour. That’s $1.45 increase from the current minimum wage of $12.30. In 2026, it will then increase to $15.00 an hour.
Lastly, Missourians with a criminal record will be able to apply for more expungements come New Year’s Day. This means that criminal convictions could be removed from public records.
In the past, the statute said a person could be granted no more than two misdemeanor expungements and no more than one felony expungement. Now, in 2025, that increases to no more than three misdemeanors and no more than two felony expungements.
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New laws set to take effect Jan. 1 in Missouri
As we ring in the new year, Missourians can also expect to see a number of new laws taking effect on January 1. These laws cover a range of topics, from healthcare to education to criminal justice. Here are some of the key changes that will impact residents of the Show-Me State:
1. Prescription drug monitoring program: Starting January 1, Missouri will join the majority of other states in implementing a statewide prescription drug monitoring program. This program is designed to help combat the opioid epidemic by tracking the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances.
2. Minimum wage increase: The minimum wage in Missouri will rise to $11.15 per hour on January 1, up from the current rate of $10.30 per hour. This increase is part of a gradual plan to raise the minimum wage to $12 per hour by 2023.
3. School funding: A new law will provide additional funding for public schools in Missouri, with a focus on addressing disparities in funding between wealthy and low-income districts. This law aims to ensure that all students have access to a quality education, regardless of their zip code.
4. Criminal justice reform: Several new laws will take effect on January 1 aimed at reforming the criminal justice system in Missouri. These laws include changes to sentencing guidelines, parole eligibility, and probation requirements, with the goal of reducing recidivism and promoting rehabilitation.
5. Police reform: In response to nationwide calls for police reform, Missouri will implement new laws aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in law enforcement. These laws include requirements for body cameras, de-escalation training, and reporting of the use of force incidents.
These are just a few of the new laws set to take effect in Missouri on January 1. It’s important for residents to stay informed about these changes and how they may impact their lives. Stay tuned for updates as these laws are implemented and make sure to comply with any new requirements.
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