Illinois: Juvenile Justice and Easy Gym Membership Cancellations
Illinois is expediting the clearance process for juvenile criminal records—a move hailed by community leaders who believe in second chances. Police officers are mandated to complete autism sensitivity training, and a new law requires gyms to offer simple online cancellations. No more dreaded in-person cancellations for memberships you never use!
Missouri: Expungements and a Hands-Free Driving Law
Missouri is renewing a 2012 felony expungement law, giving individuals a chance to erase past mistakes. The “Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law” also kicks in, making it illegal to use cell phones while driving. Fines range from $150 for the first offense to $500 for the third. Missouri’s minimum wage rises to $13.75, reflecting the broader trend of wage hikes across the country.
Minnesota: New Cannabis Stores and Stricter Gun Laws
Minnesota will allow six new cannabis stores in St. Cloud starting January 1. Interestingly, the state also enacts harsher gun regulations, banning “binary triggers” that allow firearms to shoot faster.
