New laws can affect your rights and responsibilities, which is why it’s important to be aware of them. Knowing what the new laws are after each new year can also help you avoid the problems, penalties, and fines associated.
Whether they are related to your personal life, your job, or your community, you can make informed decisions and ensure that you are acting by the law.
Hundreds of new laws are going into effect across the nation in 2024.
Nationally
Secure 2.0
This federal law allows employers to match student loan payments with contributions to the employee’s retirement account, encouraging debt repayment and retirement savings.
Updated FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid has been streamlined and shortened, aiming to simplify the financial aid application process for low-income students.
FDA Approval of Non-Prescription Oral Contraceptive
While not yet available, the FDA’s approval of Opill paves the way for easier access to birth control over-the-counter in 2024.
New York
Minimum Wage
Starting January 1st, the minimum wage increased to:
- $16 per hour: In New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County.
- $15 per hour: In the rest of New York State.
Nursing Home Resident Protections
A new “Bill of Rights” ensures LGBTQ+ residents and those with HIV/AIDS are protected from discrimination in long-term care facilities.
Lowering Lifeguard Age
Individuals as young as 15 can now work as lifeguards with proper supervision, expanding employment opportunities.
“Freelance Isn’t Free Act”
This new law protects the rights of freelance workers. It provides important safeguards against wage theft, ensures timely payment for services, and protects workers from retaliation.
Expanded Eligibility for Victims of Crimes
Removes the law enforcement reporting requirement and extends the filing window from one year to two years, for victims seeking financial assistance after reporting a crime.
Crime Reporting on College Campuses
Firstly, colleges must now publicly display their campus crime statistics on their websites. Secondly, the law requires colleges to implement a plan for investigating hate crimes that occur on campus. Lastly, colleges are now obligated to inform incoming students about measures in place to prevent hate crimes.
Free Menstrual Products in Non-Public Schools
To ensure that all students have access to essential hygiene products, menstrual products are now readily available for free in New York’s non-public schools.
Two New School Holidays
Public schools statewide will now be closed for Lunar New Year, and public schools citywide will be closed for Diwali.
New Jersey
Minimum Wage
Starting January 1st, the minimum wage increased to $15.13 for most employees.
Telemarketing Transparency
The “Seinfeld Bill” requires telemarketers to disclose their name, address, and the name of the person they’re calling for within 30 seconds, aiming to curb unwanted robocalls.
Police Licensing
New Jersey now licenses police officers, mandating psychological examinations and ongoing training throughout their careers. Additionally, officers are prohibited from joining groups advocating for violent overthrow of the government or discrimination.
Birth Control Access
Pharmacists can now dispense certain hormonal contraceptives without a prescription, increasing access to reproductive healthcare.
Domestic Violence Protection
Expanded protective orders now cover situations where victims and offenders lack a traditional family or dating relationship but still experience abuse.
