Lots of new laws go into effect in 2025, starting today.

People are already talking about a law that went into effect on New Year’s Eve requiring stores to sell eggs from cage-free farms. The law exempts farms with fewer than 3,000 egg-laying hens. It’s unclear how the change will affect egg prices this year.

New laws in 2025 range from wage increases to something as small as a personalized license plate.

Here are a few key changes in the new year and when they go into effect:

Jan. 1

Michigan’s minimum wage increased from $10.33 to $10.56 per hour. Tipped workers’ pay rises from $3.93 an hour to $4.01. Workers under age 18 can be paid 85% of the minimum wage; their pay increases from $8.78 to $8.98 per hour.

Wages for trainees under age 20 are unchanged at $4.25 for the first 90 days. Another increase goes into effect on Feb. 21.Unemployment benefits return to a period of 26 weeks after having been cut to 20 weeks when Gov. Rick Snyder was in office. The payment cap increases from $362 to $614 with additional payments based on the number of dependents in a household.

Feb. 21

Minimum wages increase to $12.48 an hour; tipped workers will be paid $5.99 an hour. Tipped workers’ pay will increase annually through 2030 when it matches minimum wage.

Starting in 2028, the state treasurer will calculate an adjusted minimum wage rate, based on the rate of inflation. New wages go into effect on Feb. 21 of the following year.

Sick leave rules also are changing. Employers must grant one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked in a week for full-time and part-time employees. People can use sick leave for any physical or mental health reason, including for a family member.

Survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault can use sick leave for physical and mental health, court appointments or school meetings.

Employers can require proof if sick leave lasts longer than three consecutive days, but the employee does not have to provide details of the illness or abuse.

June 30

Any person who qualifies to vote in Michigan will be automatically registered to vote when they apply for a driver’s license or state ID.

Oct. 8

People who own historical vehicles may purchase personalized license plates.

Nov. 10

Drivers, take note: This year, state laws allow cameras in road-construction zones and on school buses to document speeders. Cameras will also be allowed on school bus stop arms. Both actions are intended to stop speeding and other reckless driving. Fines range from $100 for misdemeanors to between $500 and $5,000 with possible prison time for felonies.

In 2023 alone, the Michigan State Police recorded over 8,000 construction work zone-related crashes with 24 fatalities in the state.

Starting this year, organ donors may claim a one-time tax credit of up to $10,000 to help cover additional expenses related to live organ donation not covered by insurance, such as travel, lodging, lost wages and child care.

Women who are military veterans may purchase special license plates.

To see all 2024 legislation that goes into effect in 2025, visit https://shorturl.at/KaVz8