As we approach the new year, there are several new laws that will be taking effect in various areas.
The Siddens-Bening Hands-Free law was introduced in 2023, initially allowing a grace period for drivers caught holding their phones while driving to receive warnings from the police. However, starting from New Year’s Day, the law will be fully enforced and tickets will be issued for this offense.
According to Steve Sitzes from the Washington Missouri Police Department, it is not appropriate to use your phone for making calls, updating your Facebook status, recording videos, or any other activities.
This offense is considered secondary.
According to Sitzes, in order for a companion ticket to be issued, there must be another traffic infraction or violation that prompts the initial stop.
One common reason for a traffic violation is when a driver exceeds the speed limit or drives recklessly.
According to Sitzes, everyone must pay attention to and be aware of the law as it applies to everyone.
In 2025, Missouri will implement a new law that will raise the minimum wage in the state.
Nearly half a million Missourians are about to receive a well-deserved pay raise as the minimum wage is set to increase to $13.75 per hour. This marks a significant increase of $1.45 from the current minimum wage of $12.30. Looking ahead to 2026, the minimum wage will further rise to $15.00 per hour. This positive development will undoubtedly have a meaningful impact on the livelihoods of many hardworking individuals in Missouri.
Missourians with a criminal record will have the opportunity to apply for additional expungements starting on New Year’s Day. This will allow for the potential removal of criminal convictions from public records.
Previously, the law stated that individuals could only have up to two misdemeanor expungements and one felony expungement. However, as of 2025, this limit has been raised to a maximum of three misdemeanors and two felony expungements.
