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Get to know the new Michigan laws beginning on January 1, 2022

A handful of Michigan laws are going into effect starting Jan. 1

We’ve officially rung in 2022, and that means it’s time to head into a new year, but that’s not without added laws. The first of the year is commonly when new state laws and regulations go into effect, and Michigan is no exception.

While several new laws take effect on Jan. 1, 2022, two stand out. One of the new laws involved the Michigan minimum wage, while the other is a change in Michigan auto insurance.

On Jan. 1, 2022, Michigan’s minimum wage will officially increase. A rise in the minimum wage has been a popular topic in Michigan and nationally, and Michigan is among 22 states increasing their minimum wage rates in 2022.

Michigan’s base minimum wage has gone up to $9.87, an increase of $0.22 from the previous hourly wage of $9.65. The base minimum wage for tipped hourly employees is also going up, with a new rate of $3.75 per hour, $0.12 more than the previous wage. Young workers, meaning ages 16 to 17 in Michigan, will still make 85% rate, and their hourly wage will increase to $8.39.

The other major law involves Michigan’s auto insurance. If your auto insurance has lapsed, you’re required to renew it before Jan. 1, 2022, or begin collecting penalties. The sooner you renew, the fewer fines you’ll be required to pay.

The auto insurance change is due to the auto insurance reform legislation, which was passed in 2019. According to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office, auto insurance savings or around $1 billion have resulted from the legislation.

A few other changes in Michigan law include two new bills that repeal the sales and use taxes on feminine hygiene products, which go into effect on Feb. 3. The bills received bipartisan support.

Also, current law states that venues at the Michigan International Speedway are only allowed to have a motorsports event liquor license if they provide at least seven days of motorsports events in a year. Starting in the spring, the number of days with a motorsports event will go to two, meaning even if there are fewer NASCAR races at MIS this year, such was the case with COVID-19-induced cancelations, fans can drink it up.

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