Tighter Gun Restrictions in Several States

Following the school Shooting in Parkland, Florida, last February, Thousands of Protesters across the Nation demanded Stricter Gun Control Measures.

In the wake of the Shooting Massacre at a Parkland, Florida, High School last year, California passed several Measures to Prevent Domestic Abusers and People with Mental Illness from obtaining Guns. Californians who are Involuntarily Committed to a Mental Institution Twice in a year, or Who are Convicted of certain Domestic Violence Offenses, could Face a Lifetime Gun Ownership Ban.

Under an Expanded Oregon Law that went into effect on Jan. 1st, Domestic Abuse Offenders or People under Restraining Orders are Banned from Owning or Purchasing a Gun.

In Illinois, Authorities now have the Right to Seize Firearms from People determined to be a Danger to Themselves or others.

A similar “red flag” Law will go into effect in New Jersey later this year.

At least Six States: California, Washington, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Vermont, and the District of Columbia, are Raising the Minimum Age from 18 to 21 for the Purchase of Long Guns this year.

Washington State will also be Enforcing several other Gun Control Measures, including enhanced Background Checks, Secure Gun Storage Laws and a Requirement for Gun Purchasers to provide Proof they’ve Undergone Firearm Safety Training.

New ‘Me Too’ Laws

In 2018, the ‘Me Too Movement’ spurred many People to come forward with their stories of Sexual Harassment and Abuse, and prompted several States to Pass New Laws targeting Sexual Violence.

Several States are taking aim at Workplace Sexual Harassment

California has Banned Nondisclosure Provisions in Settlements involving Claims of Sexual Assault, Harassment, or Discrimination, based on Sex. California Employers will also No Longer be Allowed to Compel Workers to Sign Non-Disparagement Agreements as a Condition of Employment or in Exchange for a Raise or Bonus.

By the End of 2019, Publicly held Corporations in the Golden State will also need to have at least One Woman on their Board of Directors. Depending on the Size of the Board, Corporations will need to Increase that Number to at least Two or Three Female Board Members by the End of 2021.

In New York, All Employees will be Required to Complete Annual Sexual Harassment Prevention Training.

Larger Businesses in Delaware will have to Provide such Training to their Workers.

Legislators and their Staff in Virginia will need to Undergo such Training every year.

Minimum Wages get a Boost

Though the Federal Minimum Wage has languished at $7.25 since 2009, at least 19 States Including: Arizona, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington, will be Raising their Minimum Wages this year.

Each will boost its Minimum Wage to at least $12. Some Cities like New York, Seattle, and Palo Alto, California, will see their Wage Floors Increase to $15.

Utah Implements Strictest DUI Law in the Country

Utah has Lowered its Blood Alcohol Content Standard for Drunk Driving to 0.05%, — the Lowest Limit in the Country. Under the New Law, a Driver who Exceeds that Limit and Causes the Death of another Person will be Charged with Criminal Homicide, a Felony Offense.

All other U.S. States have a Blood Alcohol Concentration limit of 0.08% for Noncommercial Drivers. Since at least 2013, the National Transportation Safety Board has been pushing to Lower the Limit to 0.05% Nationwide.

Hawaii Legalizes Physician-Assisted Suicide

Hawaii’s New Law allowing Physician-Assisted Suicide took Effect on January 1st.

Tobacco Targeted in Several States

Some States and Cities are taking aim at Tobacco Products this year.

Smoking will be Banned at All New Jersey Public Beaches and Parks starting in July.

In New York City, a New Ordinance Bans Pharmacies from Selling Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products.

Massachusetts has Raised the Minimum Age to Buy Tobacco Products from 18 to 21.

Nonbinary People can List their Gender as ‘X’ in New York City

People who Identify as neither Male nor Female can now List their Gender as “X” on Birth Certificates.

New Jersey Requires All Residents to have Health Insurance

A Health Insurance Law in New Jersey that came into effect on Jan. 1st Requires Residents to maintain Health Coverage or Pay a Penalty. It’s the Second State in the Country, after Massachusetts, to Enact an Individual Health Insurance Mandate.

Vermont is Paying Remote Workers to Move There

In an effort to Promote Economic Growth, Vermont has offered to Pay some Remote Workers to Relocate to the State. Qualified Applicants can each Apply for up to $10,000 in Funding. The State has Earmarked $500,000 for the Initiative.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker