Missouri new laws that took effect in 2025 | State news

COLUMBIA – Many new Missouri laws went into effect on the first day of 2025, covering things from how much Missourians get paid at work to things to look out for on the roads on your way to work.

The minimum wage in Missouri is now on $13.75 an hour. That’s up from $12.30 an hour after Missouri voters passed Proposition A in November. That involves an additional increase to $15 an hour starting Jan. 1, 2026. Missouri now has the 16th highest minimum wage in the nation, according to US Department of Labor.

Missouri law enforcement officers can now ticket drivers for using their phones on the road. The Missouri General Assembly passed Sidden’s Bening Hands Free Law in 2023, making Missouri the 49th state to enact a ban on distracted driving for using a cell phone. Law enforcement officers may not stop drivers for the sole purpose of being on their phones, but may issue an additional citation if a driver was on their phone while stopped for another reason.

Missouri teacher base pay rises to $40,000 a year as part of a broad education bill enacted by the legislatures. It also allows the establishment of charter schools in Boone County, which are privately run schools paid for with public funds. Boone County public school districts strongly opposed this part of the bill.

Blair’s Law also came into force on Wednesday. It raises the penalty for recklessly discharging a firearm to a Class D felony, which can carry a prison term of up to seven years. It is named after Blair Shanahanlane, who was shot and killed by celebratory gunfire on the Fourth of July in Kansas City in 2011.

The new legislative session begins Wednesday, Jan. 8, with a host of new lawmakers in Jefferson City after an election year.