With a New Year comes new rules on the books. Residents of some states must abide by hundreds of new laws beginning this week. In Illinois, nearly 200 new laws went into effect, while California added around 900.
Minimum wage
The minimum wage has increased in 22 states. In some states, such as Arizona, Colorado and Maine, the public voted on ballot measures to determine the rate, while in others (i.e. Hawaii, Maryland and Vermont), state legislative bodies passed laws to enact new labor standards.
Minimum wage amounts vary by state as well. For example, while New Jersey’s is now $8.44, up 6 cents, Massachusetts and Washington now have the highest minimum wage in the country at $11.
Some states aren’t done raising their hourly rates, either. New York and California are among several states and many cities that are working toward a $15 minimum wage in the future.
Public safety
In Illinois, a new law impacts those in the beauty industry. In order to renew their licenses, cosmetologists are…