new year brings new state laws ALABAMA | Gas Tax Increase – HB 2
CALIFORNIA | Transgender Respect, Agency and Dignity Act – SB 132
Increases the gas tax by 2 cents per gallon. It is part of a multi-year, 10 cent increase that began in 2019. The 2021 increase is the last scheduled increase and will bring the tax rate to 28 cents for gas and 29 cents for diesel. * goes into effect Oct. 21, 2021
Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to ask those entering custody to specify their gender identity. It allows transgender, non-binary and intersex inmates to be both housed and searched according to their gender identity.
ISSUE 1 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS
ALASKA | Minimum Wage Increase – Alaska Statute 23.10.065(A)
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A brand-new year always ushers in new additions to the state lawbooks. Despite the ongoing pandemic in 2020, states not only address the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, but also continue to serve the needs of their constituents in areas such as elections, taxation, domestic violence, equal rights, health, education and criminal justice. Below is a sampling of laws that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2021 (unless otherwise noted) in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The minimum wage will increase from $10.19 to $10.34. The increase is the result of a 2014 ballot initiative passed by voters requiring the minimum wage to be adjusted annually for inflation. The adjustment is based on the Consumer Price Index for urban consumers in the Anchorage metropolitan area for the previous calendar year.
ARIZONA | Cell Phone Use While Driving – HB 2318 Drivers can be fined if not using their phone in hands-free mode while driving. Drivers can be pulled over for the offense even if no other traffic laws have been violated. First offense fines range from $75 to $149 and repeat offense fines are $150 to $250.
ARKANSAS | Tax Competitiveness and Relief Act – Act 182 The final phase of the Act goes into effect in 2021. It reduces the top income tax rate in the state from 6.6% to 5.9%. In 2020, the first phase reduced the rate from 6.9% to 6.6%.
COLORADO | The Immigrant Tenant Protection Act – Sb 20-224 The act prohibits landlords from asking tenants about their citizenship status. It also forbids landlords from including a citizenship status question on housing applications.
CONNECTICUT | Diabetes Supplies – HB 6003 If a patient has less than a one-week supply of insulin or diabetes-related supplies, pharmacists are required to dispense one 30-day emergency prescription per year. The prescription covers insulin and supplies such as syringes and glucose test strips.
DELAWARE | Single Use Plastic Bags – HB 130 The law prohibits stores with more than 7,000 square feet of retail space or chains with three or more stores each having 3,000 square feet or more of retail space, from providing single use plastic bags at checkout. Retailers may charge customers for reusable or paper bags, but it is not required under the law.
