New Arizona Laws Going Into Effect In 2020

ARIZONA — The start of the new year also brings the start of several new Arizona laws going into effect in 2020, affecting the minimum wage, primary elections, opioid prescriptions and more. Here are some of the changes for 2020:

1. State minimum wage increase: Arizona workers will now earn a minimum wage of $12 an hour, effective Jan. 1. That’s a $1 per hour raise versus 2019 for Arizona and $4.75 more than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, which hasn’t changed since 2009. Tipped Arizona employees will receive a $9 minimum wage in 2020 versus $8 in 2019. Meanwhile, the City of Flagstaff has set its own minimum wage for 2020 at $13 per hour.
2. Mandatory testing for medical marijuana distributed by dispensaries: Starting this year Arizona marijuana dispensaries must have their products tested by a third-party lab for contaminants including pesticides and heavy metals. And caregivers and patients have the right to request the lab’s results.
3. Opioid prescriptions written on paper are not legal: Starting this year, all opioid prescriptions must be sent electronically, to aid the state in preventing opioid prescription fraud and in tracking potential abuse and usage rates.
4. Tobacco-buying age raised to 21: The Tucson City Council passed a law raising the minimum age of those buying e-cigarettes and other tobacco products to 21 as of Jan. 1. However, the city’s measure was “trumped” by the U.S. President’s signature Dec. 20 on a federal law also prohibiting those younger than 21 from purchasing tobacco products. That law, according to the FDA website, went into effect immediately upon his signing.
5. Family caregiver reimbursement: Beginning Jan. 1, family caregivers meeting certain state requirements can get a 50 percent reimbursement on home modifications and up to $1,000 on assistive care technology when assisting a family member with at least 1 activity of daily living. Reimbursement funding is limited and granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
6. Primary elections are earlier in Arizona: Starting this year, the primary vote will be cast the first Tuesday in August, while the new voter registration deadline is the first week in July.

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