Staff Reports
In the great state of Washington, a slew of new laws are set to take effect in the new year, and let’s just say, they’re enough to make any conservative spit out their morning coffee. From a minimum wage increase to more firearm regulations and even cuddling up a bit closer to the devil’s lettuce, these new laws are sure to ruffle some feathers.
WA state laws in 2024: minimum wage, firearm sales, employee cannabis use and more https://t.co/zy8Cku2hYv
— The Center Square Washington (@TCSWashington) December 26, 2023
First up, the minimum wage. Get ready, folks, because Washington is about to have the highest minimum wage in the entire nation. It’s jumping from $15.74 to a mind-boggling $16.28 per hour. That’s more than double the federal minimum wage, and we all know how much our federal government loves to keep things tight in the wallet.
Now, let’s talk about firearms. House Bill 1143 is setting a 10-day waiting period for firearm purchases, as if exercising your Second Amendment right wasn’t already enough of a hassle. And if you manage to navigate through that waiting period, you better have your certificate from a firearms safety training program ready to go because that’s now a requirement, too.
Next, we dive into the wacky world of cannabis. Despite the federal government still considering marijuana a big no-no, the good old state of Washington is waving a flag for the greenery. Now, employers can’t discriminate against job applicants based on their off-duty cannabis use. What’s next? A designated smoke break at 2:30 p.m.?
In an attempt to crack down on the Fast & Furious wannabes out there, the state is taking a stand against illegal street racing with Senate Bill 5606. Racing is now considered reckless driving, and those souped-up cars can kiss goodbye their freedom if they get impounded for too long.
And if all that wasn’t enough, there’s a laundry list of other new laws on the horizon, from enhanced voting rights to pet insurance. It’s like the state just can’t help itself when it comes to sticking its nose into every nook and cranny of our lives.
