Key Takeaways
- Hawaii will introduce a new tourism tax to help address the consequences of climate change
- Utah will implement a new law requiring restaurants and bars to check the identification of every customer before serving or selling them alcohol
- California will become the first state to sell affordable insulin under its own label
- Washington’s statewide minimum wage will rise to $17.13 an hour, making it the first state to exceed the $17 threshold
- Georgia will introduce a new specialty vehicle license plate displaying an image of the American flag with the words "America First"
Introduction to New State Laws
The start of a new year often brings with it a variety of new state laws, and this year is no exception. Many cities and states impose special taxes on hotel stays and vacation rentals, but Hawaii will become the first state to hike its tourist lodging tax specifically to help cope with the effects of a changing climate. This new tax, known as the "Green Fee," will generate nearly $100 million annually, which will be used for projects such as replenishing sand on eroding beaches or removing invasive grasses. State officials hope that this new tax will help build resiliency against the effects of climate change.
Tourism Tax in Hawaii
Hawaii’s new tourism tax is a significant development, as it marks the first time a state has introduced a tax specifically to address the consequences of climate change. The tax will be a 0.75% daily room rate tax, which will be used to fund projects that help mitigate the effects of climate change. Democratic Gov. Josh Green said that the state cannot wait for the next disaster to hit before taking action, and that it must build resiliency now. The tax is expected to generate significant revenue, which will be used to fund a variety of projects, including beach replenishment and invasive species removal.
Alcohol Laws in Utah
Utah’s already strict alcohol laws are getting even stricter, with a new law requiring restaurants and bars to check the identification of every customer, regardless of age, before serving or selling them alcohol. People convicted of "extreme driving under the influence" will be required to surrender their driver’s licenses, and any replacement ID will bear a prominent red stripe on the front alongside the words, "No Alcohol Sale." Judges will also have the discretion to impose the restriction for lesser offenses, and anyone wanting to shun booze can voluntarily obtain a red-striped ID. Republican state Rep. Steve Eliason, sponsor of the legislation, said that the new law is not completely bulletproof, but it will make it more difficult for people who are alcohol-restricted to drink.
Affordable Insulin in California
California is targeting high prescription drug prices by getting into the business itself, with the state becoming the first to sell affordable insulin under its own label. The "CalRx" brand of insulin pens will be available at a recommended price of $11 per pen, or a maximum of $55 for a five-pack. This is a significant development, as it marks the first time a state has sold its own brand of prescription medication. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a partnership with the nonprofit Civica to sell state-branded generic drugs at lower prices, and the sales of insulin pens are the first step in this initiative.
Minimum Wage Increases
Washington’s statewide minimum wage will rise to $17.13 an hour, making it the first state to exceed the $17 threshold. This is a significant increase, as it will give thousands of workers a pay raise. Other states, including Connecticut and California, will also see increases in their minimum wages, with rates rising to $16.94 and $16.90, respectively. Some cities will have even higher minimum wages, with the rate rising to $21.30 an hour in Seattle and $21.65 in its suburb of Tukwila, Washington. At least a dozen states will have minimum wages of $15 or more, including new rates set by voter-approved ballot measures in Missouri and Nebraska.
Patriotic License Plates
Georgia will introduce a new specialty vehicle license plate displaying an image of the American flag with the words "America First." The plate will cost $90 the first year and $55 to renew, compared to $20 yearly for a standard license plate. Republican state Sen. Steve Gooch, who sponsored the legislation, said that the new license plate gives people an opportunity to "show your support for President Trump and his movement with every mile you drive." Several other states are also introducing new patriotic license plates timed to the nation’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Michigan will have a new red, white and blue license plate, while South Carolina will have a liberty flag plate with the words, "Where the Revolutionary War Was Won." Pennsylvania got a head start on the celebration earlier this year, printing a "Let Freedom Ring" license plate featuring the Liberty Bell.