Check out all the new laws in Minnesota going into effect Jan. 1

St. Cloud, Minn. (KNSI) – With the new year will come new laws in Minnesota.

One of them is the passage of the “red flag law,” which allows police, family members, or legal guardians to file an emergency petition to a court to take away someone’s right to own and keep firearms for up to a year. It must demonstrate the person is a clear and present danger to themselves or others. If granted, the person must turn over any guns within 24 hours, either to police or a licensed dealer. The firearms must be returned once the petition expires.

Get ready to pay more for gas and your vehicle. When the clock strikes midnight on January 1st, the state’s gas tax will increase by no more than 3%. That price hike is linked to inflation. Motor vehicle registrations and sales tax will go from 6.5% to 6.85%.

Starting January 1st, employees, including full time, part time and temporary workers, are entitled to earned sick and safe time. Employees bank one hour of sick time for each 30 hours worked up to 48 hours unless an employer agrees to allow more time off. That means a person can take a leave of absence that will be paid at the same hourly rate the employee earns as if they were there.

The minimum wage will increase to $10.85 an hour for large employers whose gross annual income is at least $500,000. It moves to $8.85 for small employers. The Department of Labor and Industry says the adjustment is due to inflation.

A new law also prohibits wage discrimination by addressing the pay gap. The Department of Human Rights says women and the BIPOC community are paid less than their male counterparts for the same job. This new law encourages employers to rely on skills and education, certifications and licenses and the job market to set wages. All employers must comply with the law and are prohibited from asking about current or past pay history during the hiring process and wage negotiations.

To check out all of the new laws going into effect in January, check out our station’s website, or find the story on the Lakes Area Radio app.

Story by Jennifer Lewerenz / KNSI