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As we approach the new year, several new state laws will take effect across the Tri-State area. These changes, encompassing a range of issues from health care to public safety, aim to improve the lives of residents in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
New Jersey
- Pharmacists in New Jersey will be able to dispense birth control over the counter, expanding access to reproductive health care.
- Auto theft laws are set to change, with a package of bills aimed at strengthening criminal penalties, particularly targeting large-scale automobile theft networks and repeat offenders.
- The minimum wage in New Jersey is set to increase, reaching $15.13 per hour starting January 1st, 2024.
Pennsylvania
- Dog laws will see enhancements, with added protections for the adoption and purchase of dogs, including mandatory license applications to be offered by sellers and adoption centers.
- Porch pirating will become a felony, with specific penalties for mail theft, including packages, bags, or letters, in a bid to tackle retail thefts.
- A new team of prosecutors within the Attorney General’s office will be established to specifically prosecute retail theft across the state.
- Automatic voter registration will be implemented for individuals applying for driver’s licenses and state IDs.
Delaware
- Recreational marijuana will be legalized, though retail outlets for marijuana are not expected to open until later in 2024.
- Classroom teachers will receive a 9% pay raise, and all public educators will see a 3% increase in their salaries.
- The minimum wage will rise to $13.25 per hour in 2024, with a further increase to $15 per hour planned for 2025.
- Like Pennsylvania, Delaware will also introduce automatic voter registration for those applying for driver’s licenses and state IDs.
These legislative changes reflect a broad effort across the Tri-State area to address key issues ranging from economic welfare to electoral participation, marking significant shifts in policy as we enter 2024.
