Minimum wage increase, protections for orcas among new laws taking effect in 2021
Jan 1, 2021, 6:14 AM | Updated: 8:44 pm
(File, Associated Press)
(File, Associated Press)
With 2021 now upon us, a handful of new laws either already have or will soon take effect in the months to come.
Minimum wage set to rise
Beginning on Jan, 1., Washington’s minimum wage increased by 19 cents, now sitting at $13.69. That increase also saw Seattle’s minimum wage increase to $16.69 hour, while SeaTac’s raised to $16.57.
Meanwhile, companies like Uber are warning that rides could be 25% more expensive to account for a separate new wage law passed by Seattle City Council in 2020. The law passed at the city level guarantees minimum wage for rideshare drivers, starting at the $16.69 baseline and paying out at $0.56 per minute and $1.33 per mile driven while transporting passengers.
By April, Uber company believes that the law could see fares increase by as much as 50% to account for the rise in wages.
Shopping bags law delayed
Coronavirus is delaying a new state law on shopping bags that was supposed to take effect Friday.
Supply problems caused by the pandemic mean retailers are having trouble getting their hands on the required, thicker plastic bags that must also be made from at least 20% recycled materials. Under the new restrictions, paper bags must be at least 40% recycled.
That bag law is now delayed until at least June.
The new law means if you don’t bring your own shopping bag to a store, you must be charged 8 cents for any that you use. Retailers that use compostable, plastic bags do not have to charge for them.
Protections for Puget Sound’s orcas
As concerns grow over the dwindling population of the Southern Resident Killer Whales, a new restriction will take effect in May, limiting whale watching companies to specific windows to view orcas.
That means commercial whale watching boats will only be able to view orcas within a pair of two-hour windows every day, with just three vessels allowed within a half mile of any pod.
This comes as a result of a bill passed by the state Legislature in spring 2019.
Background checks
Also starting New Year’s Day, a person who has been found to have abused or neglected a child could request a certificate of parental improvement by the Department of Children, Youth and Families after a minimum of five years since the last infraction. If approved, it would mean that the person would be eligible to work as a care provider.
House Bill 1645 also says the state can’t deny licenses for care providers when a background check reveals a crime not directly related to child safety.
Removal of health coverage barriers for inpatient drug treatment
House Bill 2642 started New Year’s Day. It removes health care coverage barriers, allowing access to substance use disorder treatment services.
According to the bill, when there is an election to get treatment for addiction, it is an act of great courage; and when people with the disorder are provided quick access to quality treatment within their window of willingness, recovery happens.
Commercial driver’s licenses for veterans
A second bill taking effect January 21 waives a knowledge test for military veterans applying for a commercial driver’s license.
House Bill 2188 says while in the service, many service members trained in civilian jobs. Once leaving the service, they already have the skills needed to drive commercial vehicles, but are still required to take a test to get a commercial license.
Tacoma to end glass recycling pickup at homes
Starting Monday Jan. 4, Tacoma will no longer be picking up glass at homes and duplexes.
Preston Peck helps manage Tacoma’s recycling program and says that right now, glass recycling is more expensive than sending it to the landfill.
“We have estimated that this is going to save about a half a million dollars a year,” he told KIRO Radio.
According to data the city gathered, just a quarter of Tacoma’s recycling customers set out glass for pickup. That’s led to what Peck deems an “inefficient” and sometimes dangerous program, which has seen frequent injuries to workers.
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