In one state, all eggs sold there must come from a cage-free facility
A new year means new laws coming into effect in some states.
Here’s a look at some of the new rules taking effect on Jan. 1, 2025, that could impact local farmers and ag communities.
In Colorado, for example, the new year means new rules for egg sales in the state.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, all eggs sold in Colorado must come from a cage-free facility.
The bill, House Bill 1343, passed in 2020 and took effect in 2023, mandating that each hen receive at least 1 square foot of floor space.
The legislation included the provision about all eggs being sold in Colorado after January 1, 2025, coming from cage-free locations.
HB 1343 also mandates egg producers with more than 3,000 hens to provide a cage-free environment.
Egg and related products for sale in the state must indicate compliance by including “CO-OM,” “organic,” or “cage-free” on packaging.
Producers can learn more about the rule at the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s website.
In California, a new law allows farmworkers to use sick days in additional situations.
SB 1105 gives farmworkers permission to use paid sick days to prevent effects of working outdoors in conditions like smoke or extreme heat.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill in September 2024.
“California farmworkers put their bodies through incredible stress every day to feed families across the globe,” California Senator Steve Padilla said in a statement after the bill’s signing. “This law is critical as we adapt our policies to the impacts of climate change. Giving these workers the freedom and peace of mind to use their hard earned sick days to protect their health further adds to California’s landmark labor protections.”
In Washington state, a new law related to negligent driving could affect farmers.
Beginning Jan. 1, the State is increasing penalties and fines for drivers who cause serious injuries or fatalities due to negligent driving.
The state has seen an increase in fatalities involving “vulnerable road users,” the Washington Traffic Safety Commission says.
A “vulnerable road user” in this case, is anyone who doesn’t have the protective structure of a vehicle.
This means a farmer operating a tractor without cab is defined as a “vulnerable road user.”
And for farmers who have employees, minimum wage is increasing in multiple states.
In total, the minimum wage is going up in 23 states on Jan. 1, 2025.
In Illinois, for example, workers will be paid a minimum wage of $15 per hour once the calendar flips to 2025.
The minimum wage in Missouri will increase from $12.30 to $13.75 per hour, and in California, the minimum wage rises from $16 to $16.50 per hour.