The start of a new year often brings changes, and for Ohioans, 2024 is no exception. Several new laws and policies went into effect on January 1st, impacting various aspects of daily life. Here’s a concise overview of some key legal changes in the Buckeye State:
Minimum Wage Increase:
One of the most impactful changes is the increase in the minimum wage. Non-tipped employees at businesses with annual gross receipts of $385,000 or more will now receive $10.45 per hour, a 35-cent increase from the 2023 rate of $10.10. Tipped employees will see a 20-cent bump, with their minimum wage rising from $5.05 to $5.25. This aligns with Ohio’s constitutional amendment, which mandates annual minimum wage adjustments based on the inflation rate.
Parental Notification for Social Media:
The Parental Notification by Social Media Operators Act took effect on January 15th. This law requires social media platforms to verify the age of new users through parental or guardian consent if they are under 16 years old. The platforms must also provide resources on data privacy and online safety for parents and teenagers.
Turnpike Toll Increase:
Ohio Turnpike tolls increased slightly on January 1st. For EZ Pass users, the rate per mile is now 0.065 cents, up from 0.061 cents. This change is projected to generate additional revenue for the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, which handles maintenance and improvement projects on the toll road.
Other notable changes:
- The state sales tax on digital streaming services has expanded to include services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
- Individuals claiming the homestead exemption on their property taxes will see a slightly higher maximum reduction for 2024.
- The deadline for Ohio residents to file their individual income tax returns has been extended from April 15th to April 30th.
It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list of all legal changes in Ohio for 2024. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about new laws and policies that may impact them by visiting the official website of the Ohio Secretary of State or contacting their local government representatives.
Remember, these changes are just a few of the many new laws and policies that went into effect in Ohio on January 1st, 2024.
