Several new laws will be implemented in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia regions starting next week. These laws cover a range of topics including minimum wage increases, animal cruelty regulations, and ticket-selling practices.
As of next Monday, a number of new laws will come into effect across our region. Some of these laws pertain to raising the minimum wage, combating animal cruelty, and bringing transparency to ticket sales.
Below are some of the laws set to go into effect on July 1 in DC, Maryland, and Virginia:
DC
Minimum wage increase: The minimum wage in the District will rise from $17 to $17.50 per hour for all employees, regardless of their employer’s size.
Maryland
The ENOUGH Act: This initiative allocates grants to community organizations in areas with high numbers of children living in poverty. Governor Wes Moore has earmarked $15 million in this year’s budget to kick off the program, managed by the Governor’s Office for Children.
Ticket sales regulation: SB 539 oversees ticket sales by prohibiting the sale of speculative tickets and necessitating disclosure of comprehensive ticket information, including taxes and fees.
Retail alcohol delivery: Under House Bill 808, a local delivery service permit is established to enable the delivery of alcoholic beverages from licensed businesses. Licensing procedures for delivery drivers vary depending on the jurisdiction.
Clean Indoor Air Act: This act bans vaping in specific indoor public spaces, mass transit, and workplaces.
College admission preferences: House Bill 4 prohibits state-funded colleges and universities from considering legacy or donor preferences in admissions decisions.
Virginia
Ending child marriage: HB 994 sets the legal marriage age at 18 and eliminates the ability for emancipated minors to marry.
Legacy admissions: HB 48 prohibits public higher education institutions from favoring students based on their legacy status in admissions decisions.
Cat declawing ban: HB 1354 outlaws declawing cats unless it is for necessary medical reasons.
Local speed limit authority: HB 1071 extends the power of localities to reduce speed limits below 25 mph in business districts or residential areas.
“Lucia’s Law”: SB 44 holds parents or guardians accountable for a felony if a child under their care obtains a firearm after being alerted of the child’s potential threat to themselves or others. The law is named after Lucia Bremer, a 13-year-old victim of gun violence with documented mental health issues.
Auto sears prohibition: HB 22 bans “auto sears,” a device that enables a semiautomatic firearm to fire automatically with a single trigger function.
State pollinator designation: HB 517 designates the European honey bee as the official state pollinator.