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New Missouri laws taking effect Jan. 1, 2025
A few new laws go into effect in Missouri starting in the new year. Here’s what they could mean for you.No more texting and drivingAfter being approved in August 2023, ticketing for the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law will officially begin in the new year. Although the law passed more than a year ago, it came with a 16-month grace period before ticketing could start. But that grace period ends on Jan. 1, 2025, meaning anyone using a phone while operating a vehicle could receive a ticket.The hands-free law prohibits physically texting, calling, recording a video and even holding phones while driving.Hands-free methods, like Bluetooth and voice commands, are allowed.A first conviction could include up to a $150 fine. A second conviction could include up to a $250 fine and a third conviction could be up to $500.The hands-free law was created to cut down on distracted driving and crashes in Missouri. Over the past five years, at least 382 people were killed and 2,809 were seriously injured in Missouri due to crashes involving distracted drivers, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.Increasing minimum wageBeginning Jan. 1, Missouri’s minimum wage will increase to $13.75. This is a bump up from the current minimum wage of $12.30.The increase comes after voters approved Proposition A in November. As part of the proposition, another minimum wage increase will take place Jan. 1, 2026, setting the minimum at $15.Minimum wage has been on the rise in Missouri for years. In 2018, voters approved a proposition to gradually raise the minimum wage from $7.85; through this proposition, the minimum rose to $12.30 in 2024 and would have reached $12.65 in 2025.The approval of Proposition A also means that employers will be required to give one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.Governmental entities, political subdivisions, school districts and education institutions are exempt from the measure.Changes to expungement lawsThose with a criminal record will be able to apply for more expungements starting Jan. 1. Expungement means that a criminal conviction is removed from public record. Previously, the statute said that a person could be granted no more than two misdemeanor expungements and no more than one felony expungement. In 2025, that increases to no more than three misdemeanors and no more than two felonies.
A few new laws go into effect in Missouri starting in the new year. Here’s what they could mean for you.
No more texting and driving
After being approved in August 2023, ticketing for the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law will officially begin in the new year. Although the law passed more than a year ago, it came with a 16-month grace period before ticketing could start.
But that grace period ends on Jan. 1, 2025, meaning anyone using a phone while operating a vehicle could receive a ticket.
The hands-free law prohibits physically texting, calling, recording a video and even holding phones while driving.
Hands-free methods, like Bluetooth and voice commands, are allowed.
A first conviction could include up to a $150 fine. A second conviction could include up to a $250 fine and a third conviction could be up to $500.
The hands-free law was created to cut down on distracted driving and crashes in Missouri. Over the past five years, at least 382 people were killed and 2,809 were seriously injured in Missouri due to crashes involving distracted drivers, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.
Increasing minimum wage
Beginning Jan. 1, Missouri’s minimum wage will increase to $13.75. This is a bump up from the current minimum wage of $12.30.
The increase comes after voters approved Proposition A in November. As part of the proposition, another minimum wage increase will take place Jan. 1, 2026, setting the minimum at $15.
Minimum wage has been on the rise in Missouri for years. In 2018, voters approved a proposition to gradually raise the minimum wage from $7.85; through this proposition, the minimum rose to $12.30 in 2024 and would have reached $12.65 in 2025.
The approval of Proposition A also means that employers will be required to give one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
Governmental entities, political subdivisions, school districts and education institutions are exempt from the measure.
Changes to expungement laws
Those with a criminal record will be able to apply for more expungements starting Jan. 1. Expungement means that a criminal conviction is removed from public record.
Previously, the statute said that a person could be granted no more than two misdemeanor expungements and no more than one felony expungement. In 2025, that increases to no more than three misdemeanors and no more than two felonies.
As we ring in the new year, Missouri residents will also see several new laws taking effect on January 1, 2025. These laws are aimed at addressing various issues and concerns within the state. Here are some of the key laws to be aware of:
1. Minimum wage increase: The minimum wage in Missouri will be raised to $12 per hour, providing a boost to low-wage workers in the state.
2. Tax cuts for small businesses: Small businesses in Missouri will benefit from tax cuts, aimed at stimulating economic growth and job creation.
3. Criminal justice reform: Several new laws will be implemented to reform the criminal justice system, including measures to reduce sentencing disparities and improve rehabilitation programs for offenders.
4. Education funding: A new law will allocate additional funding to public schools in Missouri, ensuring that students have access to quality education resources.
5. Gun control measures: Stricter gun control measures will be implemented, including enhanced background checks and restrictions on certain types of firearms.
These are just a few of the new laws that will be taking effect in Missouri on January 1, 2025. It is important for residents to familiarize themselves with these changes to ensure compliance and stay informed about their rights and responsibilities.
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