New Laws Taking Effect July 1, 2019 In DC

WASHINGTON, DC -- It's the first of July, the midway point of 2019, and that means new laws will take effect.

This year, District businesses -- particularly restaurants -- will need to adapt to some big changes. Here are the three most significant laws to take effect in D.C. on Monday:

Minimum wage increase: Workers in the District now must be paid $14 per hour, up from $13.25. That figure will continue to rise until it hits $15 next year. The rate for tipped workers will increase from $3.89 to $4.45 as well.

• Law: Fair Shot Minimum Wage Act of 2016
• Summary: "Law 21-144 increases the minimum wage to $15.00 an hour in 2020 and increase the minimum wage during each successive year starting in 2021 in proportion to the increase in the Consumer Price Index. It increases the minimum wage for employees who receive gratuities to $5.00 an hour by 2020. It also requires the Mayor to submit a biannual compliance report to the Council."

Straw ban: D.C. businesses will be fined up to $800 for providing plastic straws, which were banned last year but businesses had until July 1 to comply.

• Law: Sustainable DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2014
• Summary: "The Sustainable DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2014 bans the use of disposable food service ware made of expanded polystyrene, commonly known as foam or StyrofoamTM, and other products that cannot be recycled or composted. The ban on foam began on January 1, 2016 and applies to all District businesses and organizations that serve food. The additional recyclable and compostable requirements became effective on January 1, 2017. On October 29, 2018, new restrictions on the use of single-use plastic straws and stirrers took effect. Starting January 1, 2019, DOEE will be inspecting businesses for compliance and issuing unofficial warnings until July 1, 2019. DOEE will then begin issuing official warnings and fines to businesses and organizations still providing single-use plastic straws and stirrers."

Paid family leave: Businesses will need to contribute 0.62 percent of an employee's wages to D.C. to fund the paid family leave program, which gives new parents up to eight weeks of paid leave. That program itself will not take effect until next year, however.

• Law: DC Paid Family Leave
• Summary: The District of Columbia is implementing paid family leave so you don't have to choose between caring for yourself or your loved ones and your job security. The Paid Leave Act provides up to: 8 weeks to bond with a new child; 6 weeks to care for a family member with a serious health condition; 2 weeks to care for your own serious health condition