New laws going on the books in 2019
New year, new laws. As the calendar changes, recently approved laws are going on the books across the U.S. Here are some new rules to follow in 2019.
Divorce and alimony
Beginning in 2019, the Republican tax overhaul will eliminate one lucrative tax break relating to alimony — a change that has prompted some to get their divorces finalized by Dec. 31. Starting Jan. 1, people who pay alimony will no longer be able to take a federal income tax deduction for the alimony that they pay, ending a decades-long practice. But the change only affects those who divorce in 2019 and after.
Bump stocks
Bump stocks are about to be banned nationwide. The devices, which allow semiautomatic weapons to fire rapidly like automatic firearms, will be illegal to possess beginning in late March. The devices became a focus of gun control efforts after the 2017 Las Vegas massacre. People who own the devices will be required to surrender them to authorities or destroy them by late March.
Guns in California
The state of California has a slew of new gun control laws heading into 2019, the result of legislation inspired by America’s growing gun violence epidemic, including high-profile mass shootings in Las Vegas and Parkland, Florida. Several of the bills passed in the 2017-18 legislative session went into effect immediately while others will apply in 2019 or 2020.
Domestic violence and guns
One new California law, effective after Jan. 1, 2019, prohibits people convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense from possessing a firearm for the rest of their lives.
Limits on people under 21
Another new law in California prohibits anyone younger than 21 from purchasing a long gun, such as a rifle or shotgun, from a licensed firearms dealer. However, the law includes an exemption for law enforcement officers and members of the military.
Nursing mothers and jury duty
Illinois will let all nursing moms get out of jury duty at their request.
Car seats
Illinois passed a new law requiring that all children under age 2 must be secured in rear-facing car seats.
Scooters in California
California has new rules for people riding electric scooters: Adults won’t need to wear helmets while riding scooters, and the speed limit on scooters will be raised from 25 mph to 35 mph.
Old marijuana convictions
Californians with old marijuana convictions may soon see them eased. The Department of Justice will have until July 1, 2019, to review records and identify past convictions that may be eligible for recall or dismissal of a sentence.
Minimum wage
California’s statewide minimum wage will go up to $12 an hour in 2019. The federal minimum wage is $7.25.
Sanctuary cities
The state of Tennessee has outlawed sanctuary cities, which can protect illegal immigrants, for 2019.
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