Five New State Laws In 2025

It's 2025, and here are five laws that will affect you right now. You're watching the Local News Network brought to you by Big O Tires and Hospice of Montezuma. I'm Sadie Smith. Starting January 1st, you can't use a cell phone illegally while driving. That means no touching, texting, or handling a cell phone while behind the wheel even at traffic stops. The law previously affected drivers 18 and under, but now includes drivers of all ages. Drivers can still use Maps or Bluetooth if the phone is on a dashboard mount. If you don't comply, you could pay fines ranging from $75 to $250 and you may see an increase in your car insurance with subsequent offenses. The law includes exceptions for emergencies and first responders. The Colorado legislature increased the minimum wage from $14.42 per hour to $14.81. The wage for tipped workers increased from $11.40 per hour to $11.79. The consumer price index, which is tied to inflation, determines minimum wage increases. While legislation sets the statewide minimum wage, individual counties and municipalities are permitted to set their own higher minimum wages if they choose. Another bill that took effect on January 1st requires grocery stores to sell cage-free eggs. The new law prohibits eggs produced by confined hens. Child passenger safety laws now require parents to use rear facing car seats until the child is two years old, an increase from the previous age of 12 months. Children ages two to four must sit in forward facing car seats while booster seat requirements now apply to kids up to the age of nine. Additionally, all passengers 18 and under must wear seat belts in the backseat expanding the previous rule that applied only to those 16 and under. Lastly, Coloradoans are now prohibited from storing firearms in their vehicles without following updated safety precautions. Handguns must be stored in an out-of-sight, locked, hard container such as a glove box, and the vehicle must also be locked. Make sure to check out the Colorado General Assembly website for other laws that may affect you. For more information about this and other stories, visit durangolocal.news. Thank you for watching this edition of the Local News Network. I am Sadie Smith.