Massachusetts legislators are always churning out a number of proposed bills. The vast majority of the time these bills seem to revolve around something to ban – the Commonwealth has had a centuries-old love affair with banning things and 2020 will be no different.
However, unlike in past years, there are a few surprises – there are actually some new laws that will actually benefit your wallet. Shocker, right?
Let’s begin with the bans: cell-phone use while driving and vaping.
The Bans
A controversial ban on flavored tobacco, including menthol cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, and vape products was enacted by Governor Baker on September 24th of this year. Baker’s concern is that kids and teenagers will be drawn to the products that killed at least 47 people in the U.S., including three in Massachusetts.
Initially temporary, elements of the ban became permanent on November 27th. While the ban of flavored e-cigarettes was upheld, the ban on flavored tobacco products will take effect on June 1st, 2020.
In addition, Baker tried to include Cannabis vaping products in the ban but courts ruled that only the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) has that authority and they opted to quarantine marijuana vaping products until such a time that they can determine that they are safe.
The controversial aspect is that many residents went into business before the ban under the assumption that they could turn a profit and in some cases, make a living. Imagine, being told a few months into your business that all sales must stop and you can no longer take in a paycheck? For that reason, a number of businesses have sued the Baker administration.
Another aspect of the controversy is that while 47 people in the U.S., including three in Massachusetts, have died from vaping related causes, cigarettes kill just shy of half a million people annually, yet they are legal.
If you are in the habit of using your phone while driving you’d better start weaning yourself off or go cold turkey or you will be hit in the wallet, court-ordered into an educational program, and/or have your insurance surcharged. As of Sunday, Feb. 23, police officers can pull you over if you have your phone in your hand. That means you can’t play the old “I wasn’t texting sir, I swear.” If any electronic device in your hand you get a ticket.
There is, however, a sort of warning period until March 31 which will prepare the public and until the end of March, you will simply receive a warning.
This is a law that has stalled a number of times over the years because some legislators felt police would racially profile people and pull them over. With the law comes data collection tracking those pulled over to ensure no ethnicity, in particular, is being singled out. Race, gender, and age will be culled with each traffic stop and sent to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The data will also be made public.
So what are the specifics? Your first violation will set you back $100. Didn’t learn your lesson and still feel the need to make sure you send off a “LOL” or electronically sign that Nike deal? Well, your second offense will be $250 and you will be court-ordered to complete an educational program focused on distracted driving prevention. Still being ignorant and stubborn? Third and subsequent offenses are for $500 and your insurance gets a surcharge.
Put the phone away it can wait.
The Positives
Two decades ago the income tax rate was 5.86% and voters approved of a measure to lower it. Since lawmakers know what is best for every one they took the will of the voters and decided that an almost 1% drop would be “too jarring” so they determined they would lower it over many years. As of 2020, the final increment will take place and it will finally reach the 5% that voters decided upon 20 years earlier.
Finally, the minimum wage will jump up 75 cents to $12.75. The idea is to increase it each year until it finally reaches $15 an hour in 2023. If you are waiting tables or work at let’s say a cafe and receive tips your wage will be raised to $4.95 an hour. While 75 cents doesn’t seem like much if you work a $40 week that’s an increase of $1,560 a year. That’s a sizeable chunk for those living paycheck to paycheck on the minimum, perhaps utilities for a single person, gas for local commutes, or a cable or phone bill.
Have an opinion about these laws? Feel that there are laws that should be on the “books” but aren’t? Leave a comment below or inbox us at info@newbedfordguide.com?