The start of the new year brings into effect numerous new laws and regulations. While some are relatively obscure, others will be felt by many Coloradans.
On January 1st, the statewide hourly minimum wage will increase by $1.09, to $13.65 for regular employees and $14.27 for tipped employees. In Denver, the only city to set its own minimum wage, the regular rate will increase to $17.29 an hour.
Colorado’s minimum wage changes at the start of each year based on the past year’s inflation rate. The statewide increase is equal to nearly 9 percent. It’s a small silver lining amid inflation, though it also adds a new cost for employers to absorb or pass along.
Shoppers who forget their reusable bags will feel the sting of this change quite quickly in the new year.
Starting January 1, stores across the state will be required to charge ten cents for every paper or plastic bag they provide to a customer. Local governments can set the fee even higher. The money collected is split between stores and local governments, which can spend the money on recycling and related programs. Stores will get 40 percent, while the local governments get 60 percent of the money.
The universal fee is the next step toward a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags that will take effect in 2024. The same law also bans single-use foam food containers starting next year.
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