A new year comes with new laws, and across the country many new rules are making Americans safer. Check out how state governments in New England and the rest of the U.S. have our safety in mind.
New England
- In New Hampshire, children under the age of 2 need to be placed in a rear-facing child restraint while driving in a motor vehicle.
- In Maine, a new law means that anyone born after Jan. 1, 1999 will need to take a boater safety course before operating a boat with more than 25 horsepower. In addition, operators in general will need to be at least 12 years old.
- Also in Maine, campfires cannot exceed 3 feet in height or diameter. The law does not impact debris or brush burning, which have a permit process.
- In Connecticut, online dating services will need to give users a way to report threats and harassment and information on scams.
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Across the Country
- In California, the “Ebony Alert” was passed which is an emergency system to notify the public when there are missing black children and women between the ages of 12 and 25.
- In Illinois, videoconferencing while driving, like Zoom or Facetime, has been banned.
- In Arkansas, new mothers will be required to undergo screenings for depression, which will be paid for by health providers.
- Also in Arkansas, public safety employees who experience a traumatic event while on duty will be provided counseling.
- In New York, the legal age to operate an ATV increased from 10 to 14 years old with a new law and anyone under the age of 16 is only allowed to operate an ATV on land owned by parents or guardians, and only under supervision.
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New Laws in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts will see its first tax cut in 20 years, which will total $1 billion. The cut will increase the child and dependent care tax credit from $180 per child to $310 in 2023 and $440 in 2024, eliminate the cap on dependents (previously held at two), and will increase tax credits for income tax, the senior circuit breaker tax and student loan repayment assistance. In addition, the rental reduction cap will increase from $3,000 to $4,000.
- Dental reform will change the way premiums are handled by insurance carriers. More of the premium will be required to go to patient care than before. Massachusetts is the first state to regulate dental insurance premiums.
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Keches Law Is Here to Help
The new year brings promise and hope for change, and it’s reassuring to see states taking proactive steps to help keep their residents safe. But accidents happen, and if you or someone you know is involved in a car crash or other personal injury, you need to know where to turn.
Keches Law is one of the largest and most well-respected personal injury law firms in Massachusetts. Our personal injury attorneys are skilled, experienced and ready to hear your story and help you through the process. Contact us today.
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