August brings new laws

As we head into the dog days of summer, several new laws take effect this week. The laws impacting newlyweds, minimum wage earners and drug offenders are coming into play after being passed by the Minnesota Legislature earlier this year.  
I’d like to give readers a brief rundown of the new laws going into effect so that we can all keep from getting into trouble.
This week brings the final step of a three year increase to the state’s minimum wage, increasing it to $9.50 per hour for those working at large employers. Smaller businesses will be required to pay $7.75 per hour. The law defines large businesses, which have to pay the higher wages, as those with gross revenues of at least $500,000. 
For those wishing to head out and tie the knot on the spur of the moment, you’re in luck. The legislature removed the state’s previous five day waiting period to get a marriage license. Minnesota joins most states in issuing marriage licenses immediately. Wisconsin is the sole remaining state with a lengthy wait. 
Lawmakers are attempting to reduce overcrowding in the state’s prisons by imposing lighter prison sentences for some drug offenders, including first-and-second-degree drug possession sentences. The aim will go toward big-time drug dealers and violent offenders for harsher treatment as it rightfully should.
Monday’s change is meant to free up hundreds of prison beds amid concern that the state’s prisons are over capacity. 
Other tweaks to criminal law include a ban on guns for violent offenders. Any person convicted of domestic violence or stalking will be unable to legally obtain a firearm in Minnesota. The law prohibits any person subject to an order for protection in a child or domestic abuse case from possessing a weapon for the length of the order. Offenders would also have to submit any firearms they previously possessed if the court decides it is necessary. 
Minnesota has also added three crimes to the state’s crime of violence statute. Any person convicted of one of the following crimes will be unable to legally possess a firearm in Minnesota for life: fifth-degree assault, felony domestic assault and felony domestic assault by strangulation.
Speeders, beware. The work zone speeding fine will be increasing. It is aimed at keeping our state’s construction workers safe. Motorists caught breezing through construction zones will be fined $300. The law also includes driver who fail to obey directions from work zone flaggers. 
“The law is important because it provides added protection in areas that can be vulnerable to careless drivers,” said Charlie Zelle, MnDot commissioner. 
Another traffic safety measure takes aim at repeat drunken drivers whose actions kill someone. The penalties for such offenders will increase. 
Police body cam video will not be available to the public under a provision added to the law. 
Revenge porn is also getting some attention with a new law. Prompted by horror stories across the U.S. of men and women whose exes posted nude photographs online after a breakup, Minnesota law will now specifically ban disseminating sexual photos or images if both people depicted haven’t consented. More than half of the U.S. bans so-called revenge porn. 
It’s my hope that you all will go in hot pursuit of staying on the right side of the law as these new laws come into our lives.