As the new year approaches, residents of Missouri and Illinois should prepare for legislative changes that may impact their daily lives.
These laws, set to take effect in 2025, address topics such as driving safety, employment practices, healthcare access, and environmental sustainability. Here’s a detailed look at the key updates.
Missouri: Hands-Free Phone Law Enforcement
Starting January 1, 2025, Missouri will begin enforcing its hands-free phone law with fines.
- Background: The “Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law” prohibits drivers from holding phones to text, call, or perform other tasks while driving.
- Penalties:
- First offense: $150 fine.
- Subsequent offenses: $250–$500 within two years.
- Secondary Violation: Law enforcement can only cite drivers for hands-free violations after observing a primary violation like speeding.
This change emphasizes Missouri’s commitment to reducing distracted driving and enhancing road safety.
Missouri: Minimum Wage Increase
Effective January 1, 2025, Missouri’s minimum wage will rise to $13.75 per hour.
- Scope: Applies to all private and non-exempt businesses.
- Background: Voters approved Proposition A to steadily increase the minimum wage and mandate one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
This adjustment reflects efforts to improve economic conditions for Missouri workers and address inflation.
Missouri: Expanded Criminal Expungements
Missouri is revising its expungement laws to allow more individuals to clear their criminal records.
- Key Changes:
- Increased expungement limits to three misdemeanors and two felonies (previously two misdemeanors and one felony).
- Purpose: To help individuals reintegrate into society and access opportunities previously hindered by their criminal records.
This policy aims to provide a second chance for individuals who have completed their sentences.
Illinois: Pay Transparency in Job Listings
Starting January 1, 2025, Illinois employers with 15 or more employees must disclose pay scales and benefits in job postings.
- Scope:
- Applies to internal and external job listings, including remote positions.
- Penalties:
- Fines of up to $500 for violations if salary and benefits are not disclosed within two weeks.
This law is part of Illinois’ broader initiative to promote pay equity and transparency in hiring practices.
Illinois: Medical Insurance Reforms
The Illinois Health Care Protection Act, effective January 1, 2025, introduces significant health insurance reforms.
- Key Provisions:
- Bans Step Therapy: Patients are no longer required to try lower-cost treatments before accessing more effective care.
- Ghost Network Transparency: Insurers must maintain accurate, up-to-date directories of in-network providers.
This reform is designed to improve healthcare accessibility and eliminate barriers for patients.
Illinois: Ban on Single-Use Shampoo Bottles in Hotels
Starting July 1, 2025, Illinois will ban single-use plastic bottles for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in hotels.
- Implementation:
- 2025: Applies to hotels with 50+ guest rooms.
- 2026: Applies to all hotels.
- Exceptions: Hotels may provide plastic bottles upon request but risk fines of up to $500 for non-compliance.
This measure supports Illinois’ environmental sustainability goals by reducing plastic waste.
| State | Law | Effective Date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | Hands-Free Phone Law Enforcement | January 1, 2025 | $150–$500 fines; secondary violation enforcement. |
| Missouri | Minimum Wage Increase | January 1, 2025 | $13.75 per hour, plus paid sick leave provisions for businesses with 15+ employees. |
| Missouri | Expanded Criminal Expungements | January 1, 2025 | Expungements expanded to three misdemeanors and two felonies. |
| Illinois | Pay Transparency in Job Listings | January 1, 2025 | Salary and benefits disclosure required for most job postings. |
| Illinois | Medical Insurance Reforms | January 1, 2025 | Eliminates step therapy and improves in-network provider directories. |
| Illinois | Ban on Single-Use Shampoo Bottles | July 1, 2025 | Applies to hotels with 50+ rooms; all hotels by 2026. |
The new laws in Missouri and Illinois for 2025 reflect a commitment to safety, equity, healthcare access, and environmental sustainability.
These changes aim to enhance the quality of life for residents while addressing modern challenges. Stay informed and proactive to navigate these updates effectively.
FAQs
What is the penalty for violating Missouri’s hands-free phone law?
First-time offenders face a $150 fine, with subsequent violations ranging from $250 to $500.
How will Illinois enforce pay transparency in job listings?
Employers with 15 or more employees must disclose salary and benefits within two weeks or risk fines of up to $500.
What changes are included in Illinois’ medical insurance reforms?
The reforms ban step therapy and require accurate in-network provider directories, improving patient care access.
